Since the start of the semester, Central Michigan University's Campus Dining, Chartwells, has suffered supply chain issues and staff shortages. As a result, students have encountered limited food options, limited hours of operations, and temporary closure of dining halls. While these issues cannot be blamed entirely on Chartwells, it is Chartwells’ and the Institution's responsibility to provide meaningful solutions other than apologies to the student body.

Students with a meal plan depend on healthy and accessible food to be successful in class. Being hungry while doing studies risks the wellbeing of students. (1) In addition, for students that suffer food insecurity are even more dependent on the institution for food.

Therefore, the institution should compensate for the loss of meal quality and service for all students with a meal plan in the form of flex dollars. At a minimum, students with a meal plan should receive $150 in Flex Dollars.

In addition, the institution and Chartwells should consider reaching out to local businesses in the City of Mount Pleasant or Isabella County as a temporary solution to have sufficient and quality meals for students who are dependent for meals from the institution. 

While some argue for the institution to cancel the contract with Chartwells, breaking a contract with a company is not an option. In addition, Chartwells have poured millions of dollars to remodel the dining halls and Residential restaurants like the Down Under Food Court. (2)  Also, raising the starting pay for student workers to $11 per hour, (3) unlike the institution’s former food provider.

While some argue for the institution or Chartwells to issue partial refunds to students, this is not realistic as the Institution cannot afford such a proposal. The university’s budget has been suffering for several years due to a decrease in enrollment. (4) Therefore, asking for a partial refund is something that will certainly be rejected. 

While a compensation in Flex Dollars proposal is not a perfect solution, it is a compromise that is realistic for an institution to take. 

I encourage Chartwells, Central Michigan University, and the Central Michigan Student Government Association to consider these proposals and act swiftly to cool the temperature of the campus dining situation. Students with a meal plan paid thousands of dollars for meals and expected it to be reflected in food and service quality.

Thank you for reading,

-Sammy