Feeding Kids Who Are Not Kids

A common expression “Every one is a critique” is more apt to be used in connection with institutional dinning than most other situations.  However, this participant will endeavor to provide a more balanced personal view of the dinning experience at some of the dinning halls at Binghamton University.

On the negative side, the biggest complaint this student has is the food portion sizes that are served.  When it comes to fish or pork chops or chicken, the entrees have been subdivided in advance into almost uniform portion sizes so that everyone appears to get the same amount.  However, when it comes to the side dishes such as mixed vegetables, rice, potato wedges, spinach or peas, the portion sizes seem be vary in accordance with the mood of the server.  It has been noticed on several occasions that when the server scopes up the vegetables on the serving spoon, a quick shake of the wrist is done so that some of the food drops of the serving spoon and then puts the remaining diminished quantity on the serving plate.  The server may explain this action as a way not want to spill any food.  However, if the plate is held in close proximity to the food dish, the chance of spilling food can be significantly minimized and most students can get a uniform serving. In general one portion size of vegetables should be the same not matter who is serving or who is receiving the food.  

On the positive side, this student appreciates the effort of some staff to prepare custom made vegetarian dishes.  The experimentation with various spice combinations is a welcome departure from the tired old recipes found in most institutional dinning facilities.  Coming up with different recipes from the home countries of the diverse student body is also strongly encouraged.  Last but not least, this student is great full that access to ice for headaches is frequently granted for which much appreciation is expressed to Sodexo.  

In closing it is hoped that the suggestions and complaints of the students are listened to so that Sodexo can live up to its mission statement of “making every day a better day.” After all college kids need larger portion sizes because they are not school kids.