Changes to the Dining Center

Taylor Posik - News Editor

The SNHU Dining Center made some operational changes that have been noticed by students.

Prior to this semester, the extra room to the dining hall was closed due to COVID restrictions. However, it is now available for use. It will be open Monday through Friday during lunch hours, as well as Monday through Thursday at dinnertime.

The purpose of the extra room is to provide space for an influx of students during busy dining periods. Clubs, organizations, and sports teams can also use the room for meetings and campus events.

Dining Center green container instructions

(image courtesy: Sodexo General Manager Dan VanAvery)

“Back in September…we were struggling for staff. We were just reopening after almost two years of being closed as a full operation. At that point, we did leave [it] closed because [we] didn’t have cleaners,” said Sodexo General Manager, Dan VanAvery.

“If [students] feel like it’s crowded and it’s not unlocked, they should be able to ask somebody, but it should always be unlocked,” said Sue Elsass, Associate Dean of Student Affairs.

Another recognized change as of early February was the transition from cardboard to-go boxes to plates and green reusable to-go containers. Anyone dining out has the option to buy a to-go container for a one-time fee of $6, which can be paid with cash, card, Penmen Cash, or meal plan. The replacement fee for lost or damaged containers is the same price.

Customers can return their to-go containers to be washed. Drop-off bins are located at the cash registers, where a cashier will provide a token to exchange for a new container.

“It’s about being sustainable. Kind of doing what we used to do…. We want people back to using plates. We want people back to using green containers,” said VanAvery. Every station has green containers, and food boats remain available for togo items.

“Unfortunately, at the pasta station, we’re still [going to] be using the black containers because it’s the only thing that holds the heat in that station. We can’t use the paper; we have to use that plastic. We’re still [going to] look for another option,” said VanAvery. Bowls will soon follow plates; however, utensils will not be used until the fall semester due to COVID.

Other changes that have been made include the selections being offered. Meals are now on a rotating schedule, which provides customers with the opportunity to try different choices.

Suggestions to improve the Dining Center can be commented on the website at dinesnhu. sodexomyway.com/contact/ feedback, emailed to VanAvery at daniel.vanavery@sodexo.com, submitted using the GET app, or noted by scanning the QR codes located in the dining hall.

“We’re open to hear from students what it is they’re looking for,” said Elsass.