Spring Break
EDITORIAL: Aramark deserves new contract
Improvements abound
Editorial | 11/4/08
Posted online at 3:17 AM EST on 11/4/08
The University's contract with Aramark, the food vendor that serves Brandeis and many other colleges, ends in 2009, and the University can decide either to extend the contract or search for a different vendor. We believe Aramark has shown enough cooperation with student requests to deserve a renewal.
A good food vendor should work to provide good, healthful food as often as possible and should be responsive to student concerns. The food on campus tastes better than it once did and is also more healthful. In February 2007, Aramark showed its commitment to nutrition when it decided to limit its use of cooking oils that contain trans fat. Students had raised the issue during the previous semester, and Aramark moved quickly to make the change. In the last three years, the company has distributed handouts with nutritional information in both Usdan Student Center and Einstein Bros. Bagels and recently added these facts to the Dining Services Web site.
There are more food options available now than ever before. The Provisions on Demand Market includes vegan noodles available through the new C-meal program. Usdan Café now has a permanent sushi station, and Aramark has begun offering cage-free eggs across campus. Aramark also added more foods from the P.O.D. market and Einstein Bros. Bagels to the C-meal program.
Dining hall hours have also improved this semester. In response to advocacy by the Student Dining Services Advisory Committee earlier this semester, Aramark extended Usdan Café's brunch hours on weekends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aramark has been willing to return dishes it once stopped serving because they were popular among students. After eliminating items such as the 'Deis Dip and sweet potato fries from the Stein menu, Aramark addressed student complaints and decided to bring those options back.
Other organizations have recognized Aramark's improvements at Brandeis as well. Last week, the University was named as one of the most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges in the country by peta2, the college arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The honor indicates the progress Aramark has made in providing vegetarian options on campus.
There are still issues to address. One is making cage-free eggs permanent, particularly when 70 percent of students surveyed last year said they would be willing to pay a higher price for them. Aramark also needs to continue to improve in the future if its contract is renewed.
Aramark has demonstrated that it is responsive to student concerns, has developed a strong rapport with student groups and is willing to make necessary improvements to its food quality. A new vendor would force the University and student groups to rebuild their relationships with Dining Services from scratch. Based on its recent improvements, Aramark should be granted the chance to continue with the University.
A good food vendor should work to provide good, healthful food as often as possible and should be responsive to student concerns. The food on campus tastes better than it once did and is also more healthful. In February 2007, Aramark showed its commitment to nutrition when it decided to limit its use of cooking oils that contain trans fat. Students had raised the issue during the previous semester, and Aramark moved quickly to make the change. In the last three years, the company has distributed handouts with nutritional information in both Usdan Student Center and Einstein Bros. Bagels and recently added these facts to the Dining Services Web site.
There are more food options available now than ever before. The Provisions on Demand Market includes vegan noodles available through the new C-meal program. Usdan Café now has a permanent sushi station, and Aramark has begun offering cage-free eggs across campus. Aramark also added more foods from the P.O.D. market and Einstein Bros. Bagels to the C-meal program.
Dining hall hours have also improved this semester. In response to advocacy by the Student Dining Services Advisory Committee earlier this semester, Aramark extended Usdan Café's brunch hours on weekends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aramark has been willing to return dishes it once stopped serving because they were popular among students. After eliminating items such as the 'Deis Dip and sweet potato fries from the Stein menu, Aramark addressed student complaints and decided to bring those options back.
Other organizations have recognized Aramark's improvements at Brandeis as well. Last week, the University was named as one of the most Vegetarian-Friendly Colleges in the country by peta2, the college arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The honor indicates the progress Aramark has made in providing vegetarian options on campus.
There are still issues to address. One is making cage-free eggs permanent, particularly when 70 percent of students surveyed last year said they would be willing to pay a higher price for them. Aramark also needs to continue to improve in the future if its contract is renewed.
Aramark has demonstrated that it is responsive to student concerns, has developed a strong rapport with student groups and is willing to make necessary improvements to its food quality. A new vendor would force the University and student groups to rebuild their relationships with Dining Services from scratch. Based on its recent improvements, Aramark should be granted the chance to continue with the University.
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