Cameron Smith | Veritas News
The Dining Commons will have continuous food service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. next year.
A few years ago, Pioneer College Caterers Inc. mentioned the idea of continuous service for ENC’s cafeteria. This idea has officially been finalized thanks to the hard work of Food Service Director Rick Harmon, his staff, and Pioneer.
Beginning in the fall of 2013, the cafeteria’s meal times will remain the same, but food will be out at all times from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This food will include the salad bar, bagels, and sandwich meats, with rotating entrees of pizza, rotisserie, grill, and the specialty line on a daily basis.
Due to the new dining hours, there will be no more running to the cafeteria before or after class trying to get something to eat before it closes.
“The convenience of being able to come and go as you please will definitely be a benefit to everyone,” said Harmon.
Freshman Canaan Hess agrees.
“I think it will be nicer and more convenient for the students who have conflicting schedules. I know, for me, sometimes I have things going on and I can’t make a meal,” said Hess.
Even though the Commons will be open continuously from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., students will still need to scan their cards each time they enter the Caf.
“Each meal and snack will have to be recorded with each visit,” said Harmon.
The extended hours will require greater staff coverage. Harmon stated that “the amount of staffing will increase by about 130 hours a week.”
The same meal plan will be given to all students in order for the continuous 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours to work. The price for these meal plans depends on where students choose to live on campus.
Students that were previously on the 21-meal plan will only be paying a few dollars more than last year’s costs. Unfortunately, students that were on the 14-meal plan will pay roughly $390 more, and students that were previously on the 10-meal plan will pay approximately $615 more.
Although the price may increase, many students still believe that it will benefit them in the long run.
“I think it will help a lot of ENC students. It allows students who didn’t normally get a lunch break to still get lunch,” said junior Taylor Fleming.
According to Harmon, students can come and go as they please from the cafeteria.
“You can come in 18 times a day if you want,” concluded Harmon.