Last year, Ottawa University decided to experiment with an idea. Brian Hutton, junior at Ottawa University, came up with it. This idea was to try a tray-less cafeteria.
The concept was to create a more economical way for students, faculty and guests to get their food.
Instead of grabbing a tray when you get your food, you just grab a plate. Some students feel this is a great idea.
“I never use trays in the first place, too hard to carry and balance,” sophomore Brett Winfrey said.
This seems to be the consensus of not only some students but faculty and staff.
“Younger generations are more conscious of their stability of the future,” said Christine Krin, a general manager for Sodexo Campus Services.
The tray-less cafeteria also helps with the problems and issues of excess food waste. This is something that a lot of university cafeterias are practicing.
“I see less wasted food on the conveyer belts,” professor Karen Ohnesorge said.
The new idea has not only helped with the excess waste of food, but also with the use of the dishwasher.
It allows for more dishes to be washed quicker than when trays aren’t washed with them.
“The dishwasher is now running at optimum efficiency,” said Christine Krin.
For customers who choose to still have a tray, they still are available.
Trays are now an option for outside meetings or guests and students that chose to have one.
The tray-less cafeteria is an idea that will continue to be used because of the convenience and ease of operations in the cafeteria.
“I don’t see a reason to stop, people are still welcome to eat with tray,” said Krin.