Many students hungry for changes to College meal plan

Nathan Zucker Guest Writer

Although Vassar is one of the most progressive colleges in the nation, both academically and politically, its outdated meal system does not reflect the forward-thinking nature of the school. Campus Dining refuses to take into account the trend in our society toward consumer choice, local foods, and healthy eating. The Food Committee should take seriously its charge to improveVassar’s meal plan.

This year is a crucial one for the Committee, as Aramark, the corporation that runs Campus Dining, is in the final year of its contract. Given the value of a contract at a college of 2,500 students, Aramark and its competitors are eager to enact changes that will appease the Vassar community. Now is the time for the Food Committee to pressure Campus Dining to make significant reforms to several aspects of the system.

For many years, Vassar followed the example of other colleges by offering students buffet-style meals at All Campus Dining Center (ACDC). In 1993, a pay-per-item system was introduced at all dining locations. This system reflected the students’ desire to increase customization and reduce unnecessary food waste. Despite the noble intentions of this program, it has proven a complete failure in offering students an affordable, convenient meal plan. Prices are generally much too high; a single plate of pasta or stir-fry can easily cost seven or eight points, an absurdity in a college dining hall. Last week, ACDC had the gall to charge students 7.50 points for two small pieces of farm-raised salmon; a tiny sliver of duck was priced at an astounding 10.00 points. In addition to excessive food costs, per-item pricing increases confusion at checkout lines. Weighing every salad, stir-fry, or plate of pasta wastes time and energy.

The Food Committee should strongly advocate a return to an all-you-can-eat system, which would be cheaper and faster for students, and would allow them to pick and choose from a variety of offerings. At the Food Committee’s first meeting of the year, representatives from Aramark said they were willing to consider buffet-style meals in ACDC, as the company agrees such a system would be a significant improvement.

At one time, food was grown and eaten in the same place. The rise of industrial society and the availability of cheaper oil largely put an end to local production. These days, most food travels at least 1,500 miles from farm to plate. Not only does this creategreenhouse gas emissions; equally important is the fact that food that has traveled farther tastes worse and has less nutritional value. Therefore, a large movement advocating a return to local foods has taken root, centered around the farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture cooperatives. Colleges across the country are joining the crusade for local foods, offering locally-grown produce and meats in their dining halls.

Vassar has also jumped on the bandwagon, with Aramark gradually increasing the amount of local foods available. Eat Local Foods Week, which runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, is Aramark’s main event for those interested in New York state fare. During this week, ACDC will offer many foods from the Hudson Valley region, and is hosting the Big Sauce Challenge, in which each student competitor will make pasta sauce using local ingredients.

Although the event is a novel idea, a long-term commitment to using local products is necessary. Aramark should draw heavily from regional farms, as our area is blessed with wonderful agriculture and many dedicated farmers. Such an effort would not only bring healthier, tastier foods to campus; it would also decrease greenhouse gas emissions and support local farmers. The Food Committee, if it is to recommend renewal of the Aramark contract, must be sure that the corporation has a sustained plan to dramatically increase the availability of local products in our dining locations.

The Food Committee faces a difficult task. In dealing with these issues, it is crucial that the Committee attempt to effect large-scale reforms. Piecemeal changes to ACDC or The Retreat are not the answer; Vassar needs a complete reorganization of its meal plan. Returning to buffet-style meals in ACDC and offering healthy, local foods is a good way for the Committee to start.