Possible upheaval in the Commons?

Drew may have a new food service provider next year.

"Sodexo has notified the University that they do not wish to continue their current contract arrangement," Director of Purchasing Harry Scarpa said.

He continued by reiterating that Sodexo is not saying they're leaving-just that they cannot work under the terms of the current contract.

General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services Brian Kaden declined to speak about the issue.

The four other service providers are also being looked at are Gourmet Dining, Chartwells Food Service, Parkhurst Dining Services and Aramark Food Service. Most provide dining services to other universities in the area, including Fairleigh Dickinson University and the College of Saint Elizabeth.

The goal is to have a new agreement with one of the five providers by July 1. The Dining Service Committee and vendors are all under a very difficult time frame, however, because this process is still relatively fresh for the Drew administration-as Sodexo was hired only two years ago- they are in the best shape they can be, according to Scarpa.

Two students, Matthew Fingerman ('11) and new SGA President Lenora Willis ('11), sit on the Dining Service Committee as the student representatives.

"Drew's main goal is to make sure everything stays as close to the same as possible," Fingerman said. Scarpa concurred, saying that Commons favorites such as Taco Day, breakfast all day, sushi and the vegan/vegetarian section would all remain, regardless of which food provider is hired.

"The program won't change that much," Scarpa said.

The Dining Service Committee has already met with two of the vendors and, by Friday, will have met with all contenders.

The committee is looking at all the vendors with a fresh and unbiased perspective. Scarpa says that while it may be easier to stick with Sodexo, all of the food providers will be evaluated equally and that the vendor that is best suited for Drew will be chosen.

Even if Sodexo does not return next year, according to Scarpa, only the upper management jobs will be affected. All other workers will remain employed at Drew.

The student body has mixed feelings about Sodexo and the food offered at Drew.

"The food is unsatisfactory," Arielle Sorenson ('12) said. She hopes that after the negotiations the quality of the food will improve.

"Sodexo has been trying to work with us this year despite a lot of outcry. Maybe if we stick with them things will improve," Kristen Hugg ('12) said.

It's not just the food that the students are concerned about. Meal plans and lists of ingredients are also top priorities for Drew students.

"Commuter meal plans are in," Scarpa said. As well, the committee is hoping to add in an additional plan that will allow students to have more points.

Regarding the listing of ingredients for all food, Sorenson said, "I think that there are far too many kids on this campus with food allergies for them not to post ingredients."

According to Scarpa, posting a list of ingredients is neither difficult nor expensive.

Many students feel the information posted by the food in the Commons isn't useful. Hugg says that she doesn't understand why calories are listed while ingredients are not.

"They post calories?" Annie Horlick ('12) asked.

Drew has made this issue a top priority and Scarpa has promised to keep the student body informed of all decisions.