Aramark aids green lifestyles and fuller wallets

Photo supplied by Guthrie Straw

Along with all the entrees and salad bars, Campus Dining Services (also known as Aramark) has been serving up some changes to more than just the menu this school year.

To the cheers of many clubs and organizations on campus, dining services has teamed up with Pizza Schmizza in downtown Forest Grove in an agreement that will allow Aramark to sell Schmizza on campus at the restaurant's prices. In previous years students were only allowed to cater on-campus events through Aramark, unless granted special permission to bring in food from elsewhere.

Aramark has also collaborated with Maggie's Buns, located less than a block from campus, and are now selling the eatery's muffins and cinnamon buns daily in the Boxer Bistro and RFoC (Real Food on Campus, main cafeteria).

In what has seemed to be a constant effort to create a more sustainably-minded campus dining service over the past few years, Aramark has introduced re-usable "to-go" food containers available at RFoC.

Pacific is just one of many schools at which Aramark has introduced these containers that, according to the dining company, will keep more than 2 million disposable containers from landfills this year alone.

"The re-usable 'to-go' container program is another initiative in our ongoing plan to support the sustainability goals at Pacific University and to strive to become a 'Zero-Waste Dining Hall'," said Bethany Bigelow, director of Campus Dining Services.

"This will take time," said Bigelow, referring to their "zero-waste" plan. "We are trying to minimize […] the number of disposables - including bio-degradable - that are going to the landfill."

In an attempt to encourage students to eat on campus, Aramark has installed a rewards program through which students can earn sweepstakes entries, downloads, and more by purchasing food through dining services. Students, faculty and staff can register at www.jamrewards.com.

Additions to the Boxer Bistro include a milkshake machine and an impinger oven that allows Aramark to offer hot grinders and individual-sized pizzas.

A fresh fruit stand can also be found in the Bistro, as well as vegan-friendly bars, including breads and spreads, in the cafeteria.

The "Big Eats, BIGGER Value" program was created as a money-saving option for students. Aramark will be offering a new rotating menu of items ranging from $2-$5, prices they claim to be good deals.

Though many students have complained over the years about Aramark's high costs, Bigelow claims the company is doing all they can.

"We are doing our best to offer discounts and item pairings to lower the pricing," she said.

Students are encouraged to contact Aramark with feedback and/or concerns. A comment card box is located near the dish return area, and a feedback page is available at www.pacificu.campusdish.com. You can also contact the director at bigelowb@pacificu.edu, or participate in the monthly food forum, the first of which will be held October 15. If interested in participating, email Marketing Intern Tabitha Rodgers at trodgers13@gmail.com.

Alana Kansaku-Sarmiento

October 1, 2009