Dear students and parents,
We want you to know we are aware of concerns about the quality of the food that is currently available through our dining operations. We have heard complaints about subpar chicken products and bagels, lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, and empty shelves in our convenience marts. These conditions are unacceptable and we are working with our partner Bon Appetit to immediately correct and provide better quality and value to our students.
As a parent myself, I know the cost of a college education and the significant role that dining plays in our students’ success. Having delicious food that meets dietary needs and lifestyles combined with the sense of community that the dining experience provides are all essential to the mental and physical health and well-being of the campus community.
Our team will be working in the next few days to move closer to a “normal” service while staying on top of the still-necessary COVID safety precautions. Unfortunately, WashU is dealing with the same unprecedented challenges that businesses are facing across the country, with labor shortages and supply chain interruptions that are affecting service in our dining facilities. Amid these challenges, please know that our team at WashU will be striving to meet the needs of each student, faculty, and staff member we have the honor of feeding multiple times each day.
Challenges aside, our commitment to providing each student with high-value food, service, and hospitality stands, and we will not dismiss the concerns that are being raised or turn a deaf ear. We would like to encourage you to provide any feedback as follows:
1. Feedback QR Codes are located and accessible in all of our Cafes and your student can always ask for a Dining Services supervisor to address quality issues on the spot.
2. Online at diningservices.wustl.edu/about/contact
3. Call at 314-935-2034 and leave a message with our WashU Dining Services team
4. Have your student join our Dining Services Advisory Team (DSAT): We want to hear from them by emailing brems@wustl.edu
5. Send me an email at diningservices@wustl.edu
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work to deliver the high quality you’ve come to expect from WashU Dining.
Sincerely,
Greg Minner
Executive Director for Dining & Business Operations
Washington University in St. Louis