Missie Mills
Assistant Editor
Director of Food Services David Taylor said the changes, including Milligan
Roasters in the cafeteria and smoothies and breakfast exchange meals served in
the Grill are “things that had come up in a meeting” with SGA President Andrew
Hopper and SGA Secretary Jacqie Patterson.
“Dave (Taylor) really has been great about petitioning on behalf of the
students,” Patterson said. “Not only does he want to hear what we want changed,
but he takes it upon himself to come up with things to change that we might not
even notice.”
“All it takes is getting the information,” said Taylor, who implemented the
Milligan Roasters (roasted chicken) option at the beginning of the semester.
According to Taylor, food services tries to add or tweak a feature every
semester, and the M.C. Roasters is this semester’s addition to the cafeteria.
The cafeteria also received a new toaster, thanks to a recommendation by the
Food Committee. “(The committee) asked us to add a toaster,” Taylor said. “The
avenues of communication do work.”
“Students should be aware that their advice or ideas are always welcome,” said
food committee chair Michele Dietz. “In the two years that I’ve been food chair,
I have seen some great improvements as the direct result of student feedback.”
Island Oasis smoothies were introduced to the students in January as well as
breakfast exchange meals in the Grill, which began earlier this semester. Taylor
said that seven or eight students use the breakfast exchange meal option every
day. The exchange meal lasts from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and
consists of a main item (sausage biscuit, croissant, etc.), fruit, and choice of
drink.
Other recent cafeteria additions include orange juice that is available all day
long, a cappuccino machine, blueberry bagels and Pura Vida brand coffee.
In 2003, Starbucks purchased Seattle’s Best Coffee Co., which Taylor said
resulted in poor customer service.
“Since the buyout, we haven’t been happy,” Taylor said. “You can’t talk to a
live person on the phone.”
Taylor received information in the mail about Pura Vida. Pennies cheaper than
Seattle’s Best, Pura Vida is a “fair trade” company committed to raising money
for at-risk children in coffee growing countries.
Taylor said the switch to Pura Vida makes sense.
“We’re already using (coffee). Why not switch to a product that will benefit
people directly?” Taylor said. “It is a good fit for us.”
Beginning this month, students will be able to get frozen coffee in the Grill.
Flavors will include mocha, vanilla and caramel.