The University of Toronto (U of T) has decided not to renew their contract with food service provider Aramark, the same company which operates at Carleton, in favour of the university running campus dining options themselves.
This is a positive step towards offering healthier and more varied options to students, and it’s a step Carleton should also consider as Aramark is their food service provider as well.
Ryerson University also terminated its contract with Aramark in 2013 after a survey conducted by the student union found the majority of students were dissatisfied with food options, according to the Ryersonian. The intent of the move was to offer more “local and sustainable” food, according to a report by the Toronto Star. Currently, only 24 per cent of food from Carleton Dining Services is “local, ecological, and humane foods,” according to its website.
Aramark has made negative headlines on several occasions for poor food quality, notably in 2015 when Memorial University students were allegedly served raw pork. The company also operates in many American prisons and reportedly served maggots to inmates in 2014, according to several media outlets.
While Carleton students aren’t fed like inmates, there’s always room to improve existing food services, and Carleton should listen to students regarding what they want to see on their plates. “Fast food” type services comprise the majority of food options on campus, especially in the University Centre. Smoke’s Poutinerie, Pizza Pizza and Tim Hortons are fine options, but breaking from Aramark could allow for more local, healthy, and varied options.
