Introduction

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has a long-standing contract with Chartwells Catering for providing food services on campus. Over the years, the quality of food, portion sizes, and overall service has significantly deteriorated, as evidenced by numerous complaints from students, while the cost of meal plans has increased. Chartwells has also engaged in gimmicky tactics, such as changing their name to Tech Eats and introducing Starship Delivery robots, which could be genuinely useful if they picked up from off-campus or delivered food at night. Instead, they serve as a marketing tool that Chartwells flaunts online and in brochures. This petition aims to rally the WPI community to demand that Chartwells Catering either improves the situation or that WPI does not renew their contract with them.

 

Background

Students have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the food services provided by Chartwells. The complaints include:

Decreased portion sizes: A meal swipe used to allow for a meal, two sides, and a decently sized fountain drink. Now, it only includes a meal, one side, and a 16oz drink.

Limited food choices: Numerous food options have been substituted with inferior alternatives, such as the replacement of existing burger and burrito options with True Burger and Jamal's Chicken, respectively, and the elimination of branded dining options like Auntie Anne's by Chartwells.

Increased prices: Despite the reduction in portion sizes and food options, the price of meal plans has increased.

Poor food quality: Students have reported that the food is subpar, and in some cases, unsafe to eat.

Late-night dining: Moreover, the campus needs manned late-night dining options. Other universities of similar sizes have late-night or even 24-hour options, but WPI does not.

It is clear from numerous conversations, both on campus and online, that Chartwells is widely disliked by the WPI community.

 

Objective

This petition aims to gather signatures from the WPI community to demand that WPI takes immediate action to address these concerns. Specifically, we request that:

Chartwells Catering is held accountable for improving the quality, variety, and portion sizes of the food they serve on campus.

WPI actively considers other food providers if Chartwells Catering does not make significant improvements.

WPI involves students in the decision-making process regarding food services on campus.

WPI makes student satisfaction a key aspect of their next contract, whomever it may be with

 

Call to Action

We, the undersigned, call on Worcester Polytechnic Institute to address the ongoing issues with Chartwells Catering. We request that WPI holds Chartwells accountable for the quality of food services they provide and actively considers other food providers if necessary. Additionally, we ask that WPI includes students in the decision-making process regarding food services on campus.

 

Please sign this petition to show your support and share it with others in the WPI community.

 

[Sign the Petition]

 

Note

This petition is not against WPI but is aimed at ensuring that the WPI community receives the quality of food services that they deserve. Let's work together to make a positive change!