Win for hungry students as self-serve meals become permanent

Wednesday, 21 August 2024

Self-serve portions are here to stay for hungry University of Canterbury students who appealed to serve their own meals in a bid for more kai.

The Press earlier revealed concerns among University Hall residents about the size of their servings in the fully catered facility. Some students had resorted to stashing food in their rooms while others had lost weight.

The university confirmed it would continue buffet-style meals for “the foreseeable future” following a successful three month trial.

“This semester will be the first time the trial hasn’t been interrupted by exams or holidays so it will give us a better idea of things,” a spokesperson said.

About 560 students lived in the hall run by Unilodge. Previously, lunch and dinner protein portions were at the mercy of the bearer of a ladle on the other side of a bain marie. Second servings weren’t allowed.

“I haven’t had to go to sleep feeling hungry in a long time, and [I] sometimes go back for a second dinner if I still am.”

Focus groups and anonymous feedback forms were provided for students during the trial. A condiments station on each table with the likes of chilli flakes, herbs and extra seasoning, and fresh fruit available all day had also been added.

University staff would continue discussions with students so they could “fine tune our offering”, the spokesperson said.

“One of our staff is now eating in the dining room every weekday – alternating between breakfast, lunch and dinner – to provide direct feedback to us and to be readily available to talk with students.”

It costs between $400-500 a week depending on the type of room to live in the hall, which is between $18,000 to $21,000 annually for the school year.