Food Quality and Coverage Bill Passed by SGA

Colby Brooke

Last week SGA proposed two new food related bills. These new bills are called The Food Coverings Bill and the Varied Drinks Bill.

These two will focus mainly on the quality and quantity of the food here at the Mount.  

Presented and proposed by Executive President Daniel Wheeler (C’25) The Food Coverings Bill has a relatively simple and precise end goal.

The bill introduces the idea of adding more coverings to the food buffet system within Patriot Dining Hall. This would include bottling dressings with clear labeling, covering fruits, salad and yogurts with coverings. It ultimately ensures that foods will be kept clean from pathogens and other environmental contaminants. Per Wheeler. 

According to Wheeler, “The varied drinks bill explored the idea of introducing customizable drink options for students within patriot dining hall. While this was the original concept, the SGA senate passed this bill with an amendment to explore the idea of customizable smoothie and milkshake options within the Mount Cafe.”

Previously before COVID milkshakes were an offering by the Mount Cafe so there exists some infrastructure to create more customizable drinks. 

As stated in the bill, the introduction of a smoothie and milkshake machine give students different dietary options as well as an excellent comfort food for mental wellness. Both bills will be brought up with President Joyce after break, so students can expect some changes soon.

The quality of the food here at the Mount has been in question in recent weeks due to many concerns with students’ food being undercooked, tasting subpar and ultimately lacking options in what students can order. 

Henry Iklé (C’25) says “Its honestly sad and I believe that the food quality here is only getting worse as time goes on.” Another student, Sebastian Polun (C’25) said, “At college you should be serving the best food and the Mount does not whatsoever.”

One major area of concern that has become more prevalent in recent months is that the food in Patriot Dining Hall is not sensitive to students with certain food allergies. Emma Spring (C’25) said, “It’s not allergy safe and it’s made it difficult for people with allergies to eat here. The problems of whether the food is safe is not a Mount issue but rather the company who supplies the food.”

The main food supplier for the Mount is none other than Aramark. According to Investigate.afsc.org, Aramark, headquartered in Philadelphia, provides food, facility management and uniform services to healthcare facilities, schools, entertainment venues, conference and convention centers, sports stadiums, prisons and more.  

The main issue that students have rightly pointed out is “Why are we eating the same food that is given to prisoners?” Emerson Clay (C’25) a senior here at the Mount said quite bluntly, “The variety is very poor and the choices are limited. It almost feels like a prison when you must eat the same thing every day.”  

However this is not a new occurrence with Aramark and their food being sub-par. According to Investigate.afsc.org, Aramark has a long history of providing substandard food in prisons.

The company reduces quantities and serves lower quality less nutritious food. It has been accused of severe violations, tainted food, food substitutions and other health and safety issues.