Photo by Paula Groff
Over fall break, Dining Services announced via the E-town Jays App that a to-go program known as Marketplace To-Go would begin Oct. 14, 2019. Through the to-go program, students will be able to utilize their to-go meals as a form of a meal replacement, and they must be consumed outside of the Marketplace. The program is limited to students.
In order to participate, students must download the Jays App. Students can only participate in the to-go program once per day. Dining Services also noted that guest meals and special event meals are not included in the to-go program. Additional information is provided on the Jays App as well as flyers located around campus. An email was also sent out to students via the Headline News on Oct. 10. Students can contact Dining Services with further questions about the program.
“The new program is intended to serve as a benefit to students,” General Manager of Dining Services Sherry Dunbar said. Ultimately, the program seeks to offer alternatives for students arriving at the Marketplace during busy times or students with busy schedules.
As part of the program, students will have their student ID swiped as usual and a meal will be deducted from their plan.
Then students will scan a QR code via the Jays App at the Marketplace entrance Host Station and show the host that the QR code was scanned successfully. A to-go box and plasticware will be provided to students, but students are required to bring their own reusable container for beverages.
The to-go program is a pilot program, and Dunbar noted how Dining Services plans to reevaluate the program at the end of the semester via input from the student body. Through the QR code, Dining Services will be able to note how frequently students scan it and track popularity in relation to the period of time. Upon re-evaluation, Dining Services will look into how the to-go program can be fine-tuned to ensure that students not only participate in the program but enjoy it.
The pilot program will feature disposable containers; however, a reusable container program will be considered as the to-go program advances.
Additionally, as of Sept. 30, Dining Services has added salads to the menu at the Fresh Nest, located in the Bower’s Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being. A weekly, nutritionally balanced core salad will be offered, and students will have the option to add a source of protein, such as chicken or salmon. Dunbar noted how Dining Services “has added the salad as a delicious and nutritious food option for the Fresh Nest.” Sept. 30, the Fresh Nest also added a frequent sipper card. Similar to the frequent sipper card offered at the Blue Bean, students can earn a free smoothie after buying 10 smoothies at the Fresh Nest.
“It’s cool. I’m definitely interested in getting [a frequent sipper card] for the Fresh Nest,” sophomore Destiny Troy said.
