This year, without notice, changes were made to Runk Dining Hall that have dramatically changed the quality of life for students at UVA, specifically for students who live in Johnson/Malone/Weedon (JMW), Hereford Residential College, and Gooch/Dillard. 

Runk Dining Hall is an important source of meals for a large population of the university. However, its current status has left many individuals unsatisfied, often due to lack of variety, food quality, and other related issues. Despite purchasing meal plans, many students are choosing to eat off-campus due to the dissatisfaction. 

In a recent survey conducted in the university, around 60% of students expressed their dissatisfaction on the food quality and only 35% found the variety of meals appealing (University Food Satisfaction Survey, 2020). Furthermore, the current state of the dining hall is also negatively impacting the well-being of students who rely on it, causing nutritional deficiencies. According to American College Health Association (2018), proper nutrition plays a key role in cognitive function and academic performance.

The students, faculty, staff, and other community members urge the administration to put immediate efforts to improve the Runk Dining Hall. We are asking for an enhanced menu that offers a greater variety of nutritionally balanced meals and improved food standards that prioritize quality. This isn't just a demand—it's a necessity for the health and well-being of our university community. 

Reduced daytime hours are incredibly problematic for students who need food during school hours, especially for students who have mandatory meal plans. This has especially affected the 200 Hereford residents, 300 JMW Residents, and 610 Gooch Dillard residents who live closest to Runk and rely on the dining hall throughout the day. 

The reduction of the buffet-style dining hours to only 4-8 P.M. and the reduction of Late-Night availability to only 1 hour significantly reduces the amount of food available to students. 

The quality of food has lowered significantly and has caused great displeasure and frustration for students who were accustomed to the farm-to-table cuisine that was available last year. The removal of smoothies, greek yogurt and many other options has left students increasingly dissatisfied. 

DEMANDS:
Runk should be restored to full hours (8am to 8pm Monday through Friday) and that Late Night Runk be extended until 11:00 pm on weekdays. 

To support the extension of Runk’s hours, employees whose hours were cut should be given priority on being returned to full-time staff status. If it is necessary for the university to employ more staff to support the extended hours, employees who were laid off when the hours were reduced should be given similar priority to be rehired.

Increase the farm-to-table and plant-based/vegan options present in Runk.