Campus Dining adapts to COVID-19

In order to stay proactive and limit the spread of COVID-19, Aramark has implemented changes in residential dining to protect staff and dining guests. 

In previous years, residential dining meals were expected to be eaten in the Muenster University Center, now due to seating limitations all food items in residential dining are available for takeout. 

Stacy Kauer, Aramark marketing coordinator, said in an email interview with The Volante, Aramark has paused self-serve options in residential dining to avoid having multiple people touch the same area over and over. Now, instead of self-serve options, they are offering all food items in pre-packaged to-go boxes. 

“The self-serve salad bar was replaced with freshly made pre-packaged salads located at the Deli Station,” Kauer said. “Patrons are given two salad options daily, (and) there are several different options rotated throughout the week.” 

Residential dining, Kauer said, hopes to switch back to sustainable items in the future, but for right now the importance is limiting the spread of COVID. 

“It was the decision of Campus Dining to pause many of our reusable items to eliminate cross contamination risks…” Kauer said. “…Sustainability is still very important to Campus Dining and we hope to return to more eco-friendly options when possible.”

Kauer said they are also encouraging dining guests to remain six feet apart when getting food and eating. They have also installed plexiglass to separate guests from workers. 

All residential dining workers are required to wear masks and have daily health and temperature test, Kauer said, to ensure the safety of guests and workers. 

“Campus Dining employees have adapted very well to the changes implemented,” Kauer said. “It is not only the safety of our patrons but also our staff that we look out for (employees and customers’ health) daily.”

Kauer said there has been no issues creating a safe eating environment and said residential dining will continue to monitor the situation and make changes if necessary in the future.