SGA released the results of its student Dining Hall survey the Friday before break, showcasing a large variety of opinions regarding the current Dining Hall.
The survey was pushed out to students via email and held from October 13 to November 13.
Students were then given several open-ended and yes-no questions to speak on their current feelings regarding the dining hall’s food quality and availability.
The Globe reached out to Kristy Weiss, the director of dining services and head of CulinArt, but did not receive a response.
Marc Palombo, President of SGA and senior acting major, believes that CulinArt has improved over the past few years.
“From the dining hall renovations to the new executive chef; things are looking up for food at Point Park. I think there are still improvements to be made, specifically when it comes to pricing and the current business model, to see if we can find any solutions with CulinArt to lower costs for students,” Palombo said.
The survey collected 198 total responses, but some respondents did not answer every question. 118 students said they ate at the dining hall almost everyday, while a little over 30 said they ate there less. Almost 80% of respondents stated they felt their meal plan is not worth what they spend. Around 110 students rated healthy food availability a high priority for them.
Aidan Lacey, a freshman public relations, advertising, and social media major, has been working to advocate for more fruit options in campus dining facilities. For example, Lacey has pitched a fruit bar to be available for students in the dining hall.
“It is really sad that there’s no fresh fruit options. They have it sometimes, but then it is gone the next day. I wish we had a more consistent option for fresh fruit,” said Lacey.
Around 60% of students noted that dining hall hours affect their eating. The same percentage stated the Boost app worked for them.
“The vast majority of students who filled out the survey find it very important for healthy options to be in the dining hall and cafe, so that is something we will focus on. We will also prioritize addressing concerns related to the Boost app, meal plans, and dining hall hours as part of our ongoing initiatives,” Palombo said.
According to the survey, students are not fond of what the dining hall has to offer. Paige Rennekamp, a sophomore education major, has seen changes in the options provided since her freshman year last year.
“I think it’s a lot better than last year. There is still obvious room for improvement. The only issue I have ever had is when I get food from where the fries and stuff are, the bread is always hard. I always have to get bread from the deli section,” said Rennekamp.
Rennekamp is not the only student who has had issues with the dining hall. Dylan Mays, a sophomore cinema production major, said that he thinks the food options at the school are sub par.
“It could be improved, that is for sure. At least down in the dining hall. I have seen multiple things with mold,” said Mays.
The dining hall is not the only object of student’s ridicule. Lainey Cowling, a freshman psychology major, said that she thinks Boost could be a bit better.
“The thing with Boost is that you can only order once a day and there are not many options,” said Cowling.
Cowling, much like other students, also has a negative option of the dining hall. “The dining hall is the worst of all of them. I haven’t gotten anything scary, but I have had friends who have gotten mold.”
To conclude the survey, respondents were asked how they felt the student dining experience could be improved.
Weekend availability for Boost, more dining hall hours, and more affordable pricing for the Café were common replies.
In addition, many felt dining options should better cater toward specific diets, like those restricted by allergies, improve general cleanliness of the dining hall, and greater variety in food choices.
Palombo is looking towards salutations for students’ issues. His goal is to develop a QR code that would go on tables in the dining hall, café, and Point Perk, linked to a comprehensive form where students can submit reviews, concerns, and suggestions for various items.
“Think of this as the IT help desk but focused on food,” said Palombo.
Any student who wishes to express dining hall concerns to SGA can join their Food Committee. The Committee meets every Monday at 1:00 PM in the SGA office on the 7th Floor of the Student Center, room 717.
SGA will bring their survey results to a Board of Trustees meeting in coming months.
