Teaser:Food fight: Is Sodexo here to stay?

As much as students like to eat, they like to complain about what they eat much more. But soon that may change, as Sodexo’s contract expires later this year.

“The college is engaging in a review process as we come to the end of Sodexo’s contract, to consider renewal versus other options,” President Daniel H. Weiss said. 

Lafayette Food Services has organized a Food Service Task Force, which meets with members of the student body, including faculty, admissions and an outside consultant. The committee aims to examine and research all sides of campus dining. 

“The idea of another dining service is still in debate,” Head of the Food Service Task Force Kari Fazio said. 

The committee has used feedback from student surveys along with a comparative analysis among various providers, hoping to improve the current services, making them comparable to or better than similar institutions. 

“This supposed ‘changing of the guard’ accents the proposed ‘Laf 360’ program excellently as college officials hope to create a more communal dining experience for student,” Fazio said. 

Although a new catering service may be music to some students’ ears, the idea of hiring a new company also poses the question of whether Sodexo employees’ jobs are at risk.

“Most of the hourly workers will be retained if a new provider is instituted on campus,” Fazio said. 

The continued employment of current workers will be a key part of the task force’s decision to keep Sodexo or not. 

The task force hopes its comprehensive study will attract more students to eat on campus. The new dining experience should strike a balance between nutrition and student appeal, no matter who provides it. 

The next open forum is being scheduled. The committee encourages students to come and voice their opinions.