Hey Columbia College!

Over the last few weeks, council members have collected a lot of feedback from the student body and a lot of them had to do with Dining Services. I met with Vicki Dunn, the Head of Dining Services, to discuss some of these issues.

Before I launch into the issues we discussed, I just want to reiterate how easy it is to make your experience in dining halls better. I cannot stress enough how responsive and open the Dining Services staff is to any complaints, feedbacks and concerns. When you find yourself complaining about dining services, keep in mind that it can be fixed. Don’t just complain that the food is bad, tell us what is bothering you.

Here is the list of complains/concerns/feedback the council has received:

  • Putting vinaigrette salad dressing that is from Ferris at John Jay as well as Honey Mustard dressing: This has been addressed and they will keep the two dressings out in John Jay
  • Gluten Free Food in Ferris Booth Dining Hall: This what the registered dietician of Columbia’s Dining Services has to say in response: “There is a gluten free refrigerator in Ferris Booth located behind the Action Station.  We have signs up around the servery stating that we provide gluten free items and to ask a manager for more information.  Students are allowed to get food whenever they want.  We currently have Udi’s gluten free individually wrapped bagels, cookies, and muffins, as well as gluten free granola and vanilla creme cookies.  We also order gluten free bread, crackers, pretzels, breakfast bars, tortillas, etc…”  If you guys have any requests, there is occasionally a sheet for request out, or you can also email Kristie Koerner at kk2770@columbia.edu
  • Butler Cafe is more expensive than Cafe 212 in Lerner: The reason why Butler Café is more expensive is because part of the price goes into paying for a fee supporting the custodial staff in cleaning, as well as paying for utilities.
  • No Green Tea in Dining Halls: Both hot and cold green tea are available daily.
  • No dining halls are open on Saturday between 2-5pm: JJ’s is open during this time frame.
  • Having the normal 8-5 dining hall hours on weekends (regardless of which dining hall is open): To have dining services available on weekends from 8-5 will cost money, which means students will have to pay more. To keep John Jay or Ferris running requires 15-18 staff members per shift. If a lot of students want this option, that would mean a trade off, switching out another dining service—such as shutting down JJ’s for a couple of nights—to fund this.
  • Too few Kosher options in John Jay Dining Hall: In order to prepare Kosher food, there needs to be a separate kitchen. For those students who feel like there are too few kosher options in John Jay, please email me at ccf2131@columbia.edu to let me know what it is you’re looking for and I’ll relay this to Dining Services.
  • Dangerous Staircase in Ferris Booth: This has been a topic of much discussion lately and Vicki is working on it. Rest assured that this issue is being addressed to right now, but because it will take time to work out the details, please be patient!! I will keep you updated on this! 

There are things to look forward to in the upcoming month!

  • Vicki Dunn has ordered an air hockey table and it should arrive in about a week’s time. It’ll be set up in JJ’s, so please go check it out!
  • Valentine’s Day is coming up and Dining Services hasprepared something really special…CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS. There will be both white and milk chocolate fountains. You can dip strawberries, bananas, pineapples, melons, cantaloupes, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, macaroons, coconuts, and rice krispie treats.
  • Finally, National Nutrition Month is on March 21st. Dining Services is going to hold a contest where you can earn 50 dining dollars or an iPad. Send Dining Services your favorite vegan food recipe by March 7th and they will pick out six finalists. These six finalists will get 50 dining dollars. On March 21st, they will cook the six vegan dishes and serve it at John Jay, allowing students to vote for their favorite. The winner will get an iPad.

Again, if you have any issues with Dining Services, don’t hesitate to email me at ccf2131@columbia.edu. Also, keep checking the Dining Services website!

Christina

Student Services Representative