The Tripod

Starting this year, Trinity College's food distributor, Chartwells, has updated the meal plans and options for students. First-years, Sophomores, and Juniors who live on campus are now able to choose from Mather Traditional, Platinum Plan, Gold Plan, or Silver Plan. Seniors, commuters, and students who live in a cooking unit or belong to St. Anthony Hall, Alpha Delta Phi, or Psi Upsilon have the additional option of purchasing the Bronze Plan or 50 Block for significantly less money.

The Mather Traditional Plan, which costs $1850 per semester, provides 19 meals every week in Mather Hall only and an additional $50 in Chartwells Dollars. The Platinum Plan is the most expensive dining option at $2500 per semester. It entitles students to 21 meals every week at Mather Hall, the Cave, and the Bistro. The Platinum also comes with $200 extra Chartwells Dollars. The Gold Plan, at $2300, offers 19 meals every week at all three locations and $100 in Chartwells Dollars, while the Silver Plan, at $2150, offers 16 meals every week at all three locations plus $250 Chartwells Dollars.

The Bronze Plan and 50 Block are considered Optional Meal Plans, as they cost less and include fewer meals. The Bronze Plan, which costs $1605, entitles participating students to 12 meals per week in all three of the dining options and $150 in Chartwells Dollars. The 50 Block plan is 50 meals per semester and $500 in Chartwells Dollars.

Additionally, Chartwells is now offering three different types of coffee on campus. With the Bistro selling Starbucks, the Cave selling Seattle's Best Coffee, and Mather selling Pura Vida Coffee, now students have more options for caffeinated beverages. Hoping to increase philanthropy and popularity amongst students, Chartwells will donate $0.25 for every pound of coffee purchased to the Pura Vida Create Good Fund, an organization designed to help sustain "the health and education of farmers and their communities."

Likewise, Chartwells is now offering new vegetarian options on campus. At the Bistro, Monday through Thursday, Chartwells' "Grills and Greens" will be offering vegetarian burgers and healthful pre-made salads. Chartwells hopes this will ease student criticisms about lack of option and quality.

Following a number of student requests and complaints last year, Chartwells has also afforded students more flexibility in when and how they use their allotment of meals. Before, students had three meals to use per day, which did not carry over, meaning if a meal was missed, it was wasted. Now meals are re-set on a weekly basis, starting over on Thursdays at midnight. The 50 Block plan is the exception to the rule and lets students use their 50 meals at any time. Meals can also be exchanged for a cash allowance to be used for products in the Cave or Bistro. From opening to 11 a.m. the exchange rate is $5, and from 11 a.m. to closing it is $5.75. Now, students can also treat guests in dining halls by using two meals at once.

While most students approve of the changes made to Chartwells, some are dismayed because they believe they are not enough. "I just thought there were going to be more changes. It seems to pretty much be the same," said Kai Paine '11. "However, I'm glad there's been a lift on the three meal rule, because it allows you to waste far fewer meals."

Anne Gimbel '11 agrees that the lift of three meal rule was an improvement, but remains unimpressed with Chartwells overall. "I think an independent contractor employed by the school should have the students' best interest at heart. Clearly, the only thing they care about is the bottom line. They've raised prices but the quality of the food remains poor. Frankly, I think it's irresponsible of the school to keep using Chartwells when it's clear they don't have our best interest at heart."

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