By Katie Miller — Changes in portion sizes in the Morningside cafeteria have sparked frustration among some students, as many feel they are not receiving enough food to satisfy their hunger. Previously, the cafeteria offered unlimited plate servings, but has now shifted to more controlled servings, leading students to express their concerns.
The recent change has led to some confusion for students as to why this happened so abruptly and with no explanation. Deon Williams, when asked if he thought portion sizes were limited, said, “I feel like on certain things, but they never say you can’t get more, they just allow one plate at a time and say to get back in line for more.” While he has been able to get additional servings, the need to return to the line feels like an inconvenience to some.
Sophomore Olivia Rudden, said she just recently started noticing this and started to pay attention. “I remember when we used to get whatever we wanted and just recently when I asked for two pieces of meat, they told me I have to finish my first piece,” she said. She further mentioned being told “no” when she asked for more sushi, which is different from the more lenient system she was used to.
When talking with Clifford Weatherford, the head chef for Morningside, he explained the reasons for the new portion control happening. “Two things: it is true because of portion control and food costs. Secondly, it helps the flow of service and ensures we have enough food up until meal end times. It’s not us being stingy, it’s just that everyone piles so much food and throws it away, and it makes things more expensive for us, which is why we are serving the plates now. But we will never say you can’t have more.”
Sodexo, the company who oversees Morningside’s food services, works closely with Chef Weatherford to help manage the food waste. “If you went to any other school serviced by Sodexo, you would see us always serving them. But for some reason that wasn’t implemented here,” he mentioned further.
“I understand why they are doing it, but it feels kinda awkward being told to come back,” says Jesus Jimenez, in response to Chef Weatherford. “For three years I’ve been used to a specific way, so I think it came more as a shock and adjustment for me.”
Leave a Reply