Urge Chartwells at UOW to improve food portions and quality


Urge Chartwells at UOW to improve food portions and quality
The issue
Students at International House, University of Wollongong (UOW), are calling for urgent improvements in the food services provided by Chartwells. We believe that every student deserves access to nutritious, filling, and high-quality meals that support their academic performance and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, the current offerings often fall short of these expectations, leaving students dissatisfied and undernourished.
One of the main issues is the size of the food portions. Many students feel that the portions are inadequate to meet their daily nutritional needs. Chartwells should increase the portion sizes to ensure that students leave meals feeling satisfied rather than hungry. According to dietary guidelines, an average adult needs about 2,000-2,500 calories per day, with balanced portions of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Students, especially those engaged in physical activities, might need even more to fuel their daily routines.
Moreover, the quality of the meals, particularly late meals, needs significant improvement. Complaints about meals designed more for cost efficiency than nutritional value are widespread. High-quality ingredients and diverse menu options should be prioritized. Students have expressed a desire for more variety and healthier options that are not solely based on being inexpensive.
In the past, second servings of leftover food were available, enabling students to feel truly full without waste. However, this practice has been discontinued, causing discontent and leading to unnecessary food storage. We propose reinstating the second serve offering to ensure that food is utilized responsibly and students' hunger is adequately addressed.
In light of these concerns, we request that Chartwells at UOW take definitive steps to enhance meal portions, revisit menu quality, and bring back the second serve option. This change will not only enhance the dining experience but will also contribute to the students' overall health and academic success.
Sign this petition to support a campus environment where students' dietary needs are met with excellence and care. Your voice can make a vital difference.

70
The issue
Students at International House, University of Wollongong (UOW), are calling for urgent improvements in the food services provided by Chartwells. We believe that every student deserves access to nutritious, filling, and high-quality meals that support their academic performance and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, the current offerings often fall short of these expectations, leaving students dissatisfied and undernourished.
One of the main issues is the size of the food portions. Many students feel that the portions are inadequate to meet their daily nutritional needs. Chartwells should increase the portion sizes to ensure that students leave meals feeling satisfied rather than hungry. According to dietary guidelines, an average adult needs about 2,000-2,500 calories per day, with balanced portions of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Students, especially those engaged in physical activities, might need even more to fuel their daily routines.
Moreover, the quality of the meals, particularly late meals, needs significant improvement. Complaints about meals designed more for cost efficiency than nutritional value are widespread. High-quality ingredients and diverse menu options should be prioritized. Students have expressed a desire for more variety and healthier options that are not solely based on being inexpensive.
In the past, second servings of leftover food were available, enabling students to feel truly full without waste. However, this practice has been discontinued, causing discontent and leading to unnecessary food storage. We propose reinstating the second serve offering to ensure that food is utilized responsibly and students' hunger is adequately addressed.
In light of these concerns, we request that Chartwells at UOW take definitive steps to enhance meal portions, revisit menu quality, and bring back the second serve option. This change will not only enhance the dining experience but will also contribute to the students' overall health and academic success.
Sign this petition to support a campus environment where students' dietary needs are met with excellence and care. Your voice can make a vital difference.

70
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Petition created on 25 March 2026