Students have voiced complaints about the quality of food served in the GSUB cafeteria. NJCU student Jade Rodriguez, has created a petition that has surpassed 150 signatures from dorm students thus far. The petition was created with the goal that the student body would be provided with healthier options, affordable meal plans that provide dorm students with unlimited options, and most importantly, diverse options that suit a variety of dietary needs.
“I think there can be more (healthy options.) The new addition of the salad bar is pretty nice but it can get old pretty quickly. You can’t get the same thing everyday.” said NJCU student Hekuran Beluli.
According to Sarah Ruilova, “I feel like there should be more options at a lower price considering the students that come here.”
Kansas Allen states “ Especially on the weekends I feel like they favor the grill and there aren’t many healthy options.”
Students from around the campus felt the need to voice their experiences that they had with the food from Gourmet Dining. From the interviews that were conducted, there were various accounts where students either recounted instances where food was undercooked as well as instances of food poisoning.
Crystal Stanley expressed, “The first time when I came here and I got the chicken tenders, some days it would be raw and other days it would be burnt to a crisp.”
“First year I was here, first time I went to the cafeteria I had the chicken tenders. That sh*it was not cooked! That was raw! Some days it would be incredibly burnt to a crisp, hard as a rock. I could not eat any of it. I’ve gotten food poisoning from some of the food on multiple occasions. Some of my friends have gotten food poisoning on multiple occasions from the food here.” said Crystal Stanley.
“With myself and like other people the food was raw at some points. Like some points were uncooked. I’ve gotten food poisoning twice in one semester… it’s those chicken tenders.” expressed Francesca Evan.
A survey was conducted by The Gothic Times where students were able to share their opinions anonymously, 68.9% agree that the cafeteria hours inconvenienced them, 64.4% feel like there are not enough healthy options, and 62.2% feel like the meal plans are not reasonably priced.
“For the options that are provided, I feel like there should be more options at a lower price.”, Sarah Ruilova stated.
“A lot of students have classes at night so it doesn’t make sense that a lot of the things are closing at 5 o’clock including the stations that they actually like cause not everybody wants to go to the grill after 5 and eating tenders and burgers every day gets tiring.” Stephnie Alejo added.
Joe Sclafani, Assistant Director of Gourmet Dining addressed the concerns that were found within the student responses.
“We make sure all food is cooked thoroughly before serving it…and all of the frozen meat like bacon, sausage, and breakfast meat come pre-cooked so they’re just being reheated.” – Joe Sclafani
According to Joe Sclafani, the reason why the cafeteria closes early is because enrollment is significantly low and to compensate, the staff prepares the pizza, subway, and other entrees for grab and go.
Dr. Jodi Bailey, the University’s Vice President for Student Development & Community Engagement and Ira Thor, the Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing and University Spokesperson, were willing to answer additional questions about Gourmet Dining.
“Our current contract [with Gourmet Dining] will expire in 2025. Gourmet Dining, like all vendors for all services, will have the opportunity to renew that contract via our open bidding (RFP) process.”
When asked about the lack of food options on the weekend, Sclafani said “Our sales are significantly less and our foot traffic is significantly less on the weekends that we simply can’t open every station.”
Sclafani suggests bringing any complaints and/or useful information such as allergies and dietary restrictions to his office that is located on the second floor in GSUB. He emphasizes that he has an open door policy and that students are always welcomed.
Student Jacilia Rucker-Glasper said “The meal plan, I wish could be a little bit cheaper for what I get”.
The NJCU meal plan has two options which are G1 and G5 respectively. The G1 meal plan amounts to $2,479.62 with an allowance of 3 meals a day with limited options and its counterpart, G5 meal plan costs the same, but with an offer of $2,200 that can be spent in either the cafeteria or Dunkin Donuts. According to Dr. Jodi Bailey and Ira Thor, Gourmet Dining currently earns $797,000 per year as part of the meal plan portion of the contract, and an additional $300,000 for all other services.
The Gothic Times survey that was sent out included a section where students could voice their thoughts anonymously.
“I strongly suggest canceling the mandatory meal plan when I choose to live in the campus dorm… the dorm fee is very expensive.. it should be up to the students.” – Anonymous Student
“The cafeteria should close later both on the weekends and weekdays and offer more meals.” – Anonymous Student
