Following up on a previous article about Washington College raising costs and cutting funds–the latest grievance the student body is airing refers to the college's dining hall. This year, the college has made several obvious cutbacks in its Dining Services department. These cutbacks are not going unnoticed by students.
One of the biggest changes made by WC's Dining Services department this year is the removal of their to-go box system. In previous years, students and faculty were able to grab a quick lunch on the go using disposable takeout containers provided by the dining hall. This year, however, the school provided students with plastic, reusable boxes in order to "cut down on waste." While this initiative is excellent for the environment, students would like the college to stop pretending its main incentive is not budget-related.
While the college did not specifically declare its financial motivations to change the boxing system, it is clear that this will save a huge amount of money. I would not have a problem with this, were it not for two major issues: firstly, this system does not take into account the commuter students, who did not receive boxes at the beginning of the school year in their dormitories like the rest of the student body; secondly, students are paying at minimum $4,750 and at maximum $6,612 annually for their meal plans. With extreme prices like this, these cutbacks are unwarranted.
Furthermore, the Dining Services department seems to have downsized its staff; either that, or their policies regarding service have changed since last semester. They no longer provide regular refilling of condiments; nearly anytime I or my friends try to get simple condiments (ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch), the containers are empty, and sometimes stay that way for days. The tables are constantly dirty (unless AJ is working, we all know that!).
Several members of the student body have also complained about the food's quality this year. One student, who would like to remain nameless, said that whenever she goes to the dining hall for dinner, she plays "the game of sides... it's because all they serve is grilled chicken and sides. So you have to decide which sides you're gonna combine to make up a full meal. Spoiler alert: it's never anything healthy or tasteful."
It's true that there has been significant change in palettes from last year. Previous selections included a wide array of meat, vegetables, protein, and "junk foods" like fries or onion rings–this year, however, it's a good day if there is more than grilled chicken and flavored rice.
Yet another cutback can be found in the realm of dishware. Cups, plates, and bowls were "upgraded" this year, supposedly saving $10,000-$15,000 on replacing broken dishes (as the old ones were ceramic).
If the school is openly admitting to saving thousands of dollars annually, yet did not decrease our meal plan costs to account for all of these changes (less to go boxes, poorer quality food, new dishes, and less staff), then how much are they saving that they won't open up to? Is it significant? Is it insignificant? Where is the money going? Why do we pay so much for so little?
If students are paying upwards of $4,000 annually just to eat, then we deserve some transparency.
This article's information is based upon several student accounts and firsthand witness of these events and cutbacks. If the school is in desperate need of budget cuts, then it should be transparent about the matter–rather than cover up their apparent stinginess with inaccurate motivations.
