New hope for better food

Food has been a common complaint for students at Ohio Wesleyan, but things are about to change - hopefully.

 

Ohio Wesleyan University has announced it will have AVI Foodsystems as its new food service provider starting in the fall.

The previous food provider was Chartwells and for about 30 years they have been a part of OWU’s dining and catering service, according to Dwayne Todd, vice president of student engagement.

 

In the meal plan with Chartwells, students had the option to purchase food and other items with food points. The amount of food points provided varied depending on the plan a student chose to be on. Students could choose from three meal plans, with costs ranging from $4,780 to $6,010.

 

Food experiences for students have not always been positive. Sophomore Max Aaronson, a WCSA senator, said he once had a bad experience ordering chicken from The Marketplace in the Hamilton-Williams campus center. He says one of his friends ordered chicken that ended up being undercooked.

 

Senior Joelle Trubowitz, created a survey about how student felt about the dining service.

 

“This study analyzes the factors that influence perceived satisfaction of on-campus food services,” says Trubowitz in her study. “Overall, students are not currently satisfied with the on-campus food services.”

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In the fall, AVI Foodsystems, a new food service provider, will welcome students to campus. AVI competed with other companies including Chartwells for its food service contract. AVI is also the food service provider for Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

 

AVI held a town hall meeting at OWU in Beeghly library to discuss how next semester’s dining service. One big change? Students will now be able to participate in  “anytime dining.”

 

“Enter as often as you like, eat all you care to eat during the hours of operation,” is the promise offered in a handout provided by AVI. This new opportunity means that students will never have to worry about their food point balance.

Students will also have off and on campus “debit dollars” that they can spend at restaurants that accept OWU ID cards. They can also spend debit dollars at “The Bishop’s Cafe, Merrick Cafe, Science Cafe,” and the new “Ham-Wil C-Store.” The C-Store will share a location with The Bishop Cafe.  

 

Operating hours for dining areas on campus will change under the new system.

 Popular spots like The Marketplace in Ham-Will and Smith Dining Hall will eventually have extended hours. Smith will be a 24/7 operation while The Marketplace will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but will not be open during the weekends.

Changes in the fraternity, off-campus and summer meal plans are still being discussed, Todd says.