Dobbs to implement to-go box option
A new pilot for the to-go box option at Dobbs will begin April 26.
Published April 16, 2010
Pavilion at Dobbs will implement a to-go box pilot program proposed by the Missouri Students Association.
"The pilot program will be from April 26 through end of the semester," MSA Student Affairs Committee Chairwoman Michelle Horan said. "It will just be at the Dobbs Pavilion. The way it will work is that you come in, leave your I.D. card at the front and get a box that includes a beverage. You can only fill a box."
Campus Dining Services Associate Director Steve Simpson said the Residence Halls Association suggested something like this last semester, which produced Eva J's Lunch Boxes To-Go, featuring pre-made sandwiches and sides.
"This new program is totally different," Simpson said. "The student will be picking up a to-go container and then going through and making a selection of hot or cold food. Our only expectation is that what they select fits in the box and that they not abuse it."
Simpson said this is only a pilot program meant to help students, but if there are too many students abusing the system, then they will not continue the program. If students are seen sitting at a table with a to-go box, they will be swiped another meal because their I.D. will still be with the cashier.
"If students are walking out with an entire container of green olives or sliced turkeys, then we couldn't allow that," Simpson said. "The intent is to provide a meal and not groceries."
CDS Marketing Manager Andrew Lough said though they are implementing the pilot program next week, there are still logistical questions, such as the way the dining halls are set up, the possibility abuse of the system and other potential unknowns.
"We're going to make an announcement to certain student groups like RHA, and we're going to do table tents in the dining halls," Lough said. "We're not going to do a very large communications campaign. We're going to see how the program works first."
Horan said students would be allowed to fill two takeout boxes during one trip to a dining hall.
"The whole point of the box is so you don't have to stay in if it's packed or you want to eat in your room or you're just in a hurry," Horan said. "It will help reduce traffic in terms of seating."
Lough said they do not have any way of tracking how many students abuse the dining hall system by taking food with them now.
"I can tell you anecdotally that is something that happens quite a bit," Lough said. "You don't have to sit at a dining hall for too long to watch people stuff food into backpacks and purses."
Lough said they do not want to be overbearing and try to give students the benefit of the doubt in that there must be some sort of need if they are taking food with them. Lough said the to-go boxes would hopefully alleviate some of that need.
Simpson said for the pilot program they would be using plastic to-go containers.
"For the trial period, if we want to get it off the ground we have to go with something that's on site," Simpson said.
If the program is successful, CDS aims to consider recyclable or compostable containers that are better for the environment.
"We get feedback pretty regularly from students," Lough said. "We encourage students to give us feedback in whatever way is convenient for them, and we do take it into consideration."