Selah Vetter / Staff Writer
Samford Dining is bringing new changes to the cafeteria for the spring semester in response to student feedback.
Last semester, the Alabama Department of Public Health issued the university’s cafeteria a 73 health score. The low health report score sparked concern among the student body about the state of Samford Dining. In response to this health report, Samford Dining has implemented new changes in the cafeteria.
“The Sodexo Dining Team has developed and begun implementing a comprehensive action plan to ensure that food safety and quality continue to be our priority,” Richard Davis said, Samford Dining’s general manager.
Samford Dining hired award-winning Executive Chef Jared Danks. Danks now leads the culinary team in the cafeteria. All culinary staff trained extensively on food safety with Sodexo’s national Eco-Lab representative during Jan-term.
Samford Dining also responded to students’ feedback during the kitchen tours in December. The cafeteria implemented a custom pasta station, a stir-fry station, waffle station, and an all-day omelet station. The cafeteria also now offers grilled and fried chicken tenders and quesadillas at the grill. Local, organic products will be offered more in the future at the Local Kitchen station and on Fridays at the hot bar.
“That it is truly the students’ cafeteria, and each student has input into its operation,” Davis said. “We value your opinion and want to hear from you. Please let us know what you like, what you don’t like, and any menu items you would like to see added.”
The cafeteria will also have a series of “meal swipe+” premium dining events. This commences on Valentine’s Day dinner. The meal swipe will include carved to order prime rib and a chocolate fountain for students.
Samford Dining will continue accepting feedback from students and the student Culinary Council meets monthly.
“We will be doing our spring surveys from Feb. 24 – March 7 and encourage all students to let us know what we are doing well and what we need to focus on,” Davis said.
