Cafeteria to go trayless in 2009

Beginning this J-term, Luther’s green plastic cafeteria trays will be replaced with larger plates that hold more food and allow space for a bowl to sit. These changes came about as a result of the recently accepted proposal developed by Warren Palm, director of dining services, and Caleb Mattison, sustainability coordinator.

After extensive conversation and a controversial trial run late last year, the decision was made to eliminate trays altogether. While some students were critical of the trayless system trial run, Palm and Mattison believe that eliminating the trays will save money and reduce waste.

“I think the vast majority of Luther students will find that going tray-free isn’t nearly as difficult as many fear,” said Mattison. “I’m also confident we’ll see a drastic reduction in food waste. That would be a huge victory in the name of sustainability — wasted food means wasted energy and wasted money.”

According to Palm, going trayfree will not only eliminate waste, but will conserve large amounts of water and detergent.

“The dining room will be messier and the dish room will have less work to do. In Luther’s case, not washing 3000 trays per day will reduce washing time by two hours,” said Palm.

The change is not unique; many colleges on the coasts have gone tray-less and the trend has been noted by popular media figures like Jay Leno and U.S. Weekly. Palm and Mattison hope to emphasize that the system can work for both students and for sustainability goals.

“I made the suggestion we should consider this option after reading about its success at colleges on both the east and west coasts. When we experimented with tray-less last spring we were one of the first in the Midwest. Now so many have already switched over I am certain there are hundreds of tray-less colleges throughout the country,” said Palm. “I have saved around 200 email messages from other colleges that cover most of the issues.”

Student opinions on the possible change were also taken into account when Palm and Mattison developed the plan.

According the official proposal, “We brought our proposal to Student Senate, Student Athletes, Community Assembly, and we held a tabling event and an open forum for comments and questions. I talked to Student Senate twice and while a few questions were asked, when it came to voting, support was unanimous.”

Colton Long, President of the Student Senate, said that their support of the change was made for the greater good.

“Student Senate has looked at the idea with an open mind, and while we’re going tray-less, our goal was not to fight for or against trays but to make sure it was a fair switch, and one that would benefit as many as possible,” said Long.

Concerns were raised about the increase in the messes on the tables and the possibility of having to take two or more trips to get food and drinks to the table. While Palm and Mattison admit that not everyone will be happy with the change, they hope that in time the students will be able to adapt to a tray-less system. Reduction in food waste and other costs could benefit the school in other ways, though, according to Palm.

“I understand this change will not be convenient or appreciated by all, but I am convinced it’s the right thing to do. Reduction of waste will allow us to upgrade the menu and help control costs in other areas,” said Palm.

Noted in the proposal is the opportunity to upgrade cafeteria equipment or the menu. Changes to the menu could include a larger variety of fresh fruit, more specials and more local food items.

“I would personally enjoy meals without trays because I’m environmentally conscious and try to eat healthy, so reducing the temptation to eat more food while jiving with nature just makes me feel good,” said Alex Clark (’12).

While not everyone is supportive of losing the convenience and ease of trays, Long believes that the student body will be able to adapt and that no serious backlashes will occur.

“Luther students are mature, smart, and know how to approach these sort of changes without acting rashly,” said Long.

Going tray-less has brought up another pertinent discussion: some students have been wondering what exactly will be done with the old trays.

“ Obviously we have to keep some trays around, in case someone needs one. It might be elderly person, a visitor, family with kids. So it’s not been fully determined yet what will happen to the trays. If students feel they really have to have a tray, we might be able to provide them in some way,” said Palm.

Other students have different ideas on what to do with the old trays.

“The trays could be rented to students who are without sleds, allowing them to have a good time in winter while eating right and treating nature with care at the same time,” said Clark. “It’s a win-win-win situation.”