By Kristine Hamlyn
Memorial’s Board of Regents has approved a new food services contract. The result of much research and ingenuity on the part of Student Affairs and Services, the contract comes with major benefits to Memorial students.

The nine-year contract, signed with Chartwells, takes a more a fresh food approach than in previous years, explained Christine Burke, assistant director, housing, Student Affairs and Services.

“Students now see more food cooked on-the-spot in front of them, they have more fresh food options, including fruits, vegetables and sandwiches made fresh for them,” she said. “The contract also caters to students with allergies, international tastes and vegetarian preferences. Chartwells has recognized this increased variety of needs and as a result has become very conscience about any cross-contamination between foods.”

Students with meal cards now have more value and several options available to them. With a simple flash of the card, students may enjoy a all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at Memorial’s main dining hall or choose to dine at one of Chartwells’ many other locations in the Arts, Science, Engineering or Education buildings. Those who are not on the mandatory residence meal plans are also able to take advantage of this flexible and convenient way to eat healthy. Anyone, including students, faculty and staff can purchase 10 meals for $75 or 20 meals for $125. Even further, Chartwells caters to specific individual requests. Students, faculty and staff alike may place food orders ranging anywhere from exam snacks to birthday cakes to fruit baskets.

Ms. Burke went to on to mention the Munchouse, located in the bottom floor of Hatcher House, open Thursday to Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sundays from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
“Students can get anything from fries and hotdogs to subs and salads. The food and hours of operation caters to the needs and wants of students.”

Ms. Burke serves on the food services committee along with Brian Johnston, director, housing, Student Affairs and Services, representatives from each house and MUNSU. The committee was vital in the development of the new food services contract, ensuring that student needs were met, and remains an integral part of maintaining student input.

Acting on their own desire to satisfy the needs of students, Chartwells has developed What’s Happening and Let’s Talk Boards. The boards are used to display the weekly menu along with any promotions happening at the time. Chartwells further encourages students to use the boards for posting suggestions, complaints or compliments to which the manager will post a reply within 24 hours.

The new contract will also bring renovations to several areas of the university. Plans are underway for the main dining hall and engineering cafeteria; science and other areas will follow. These areas will receive a fresh new look and be equipped to offer several food options at each site.

“We are quite happy with our decision to remain with Chartwells for this contract,” said Ms. Burke. “They were simply the best choice and we look forward to seeing all the changes they will be implementing in the future.”