Doane’s director of dining services, Victoria Swanson, has partnered with Fresh Ideas to introduce a new dining option for students, faculty and staff. As part of Fresh Ideas’ “Green-and-Go” program, reusable to-go containers are now available on campus, offering a more sustainable option for those on the move.
The containers can be purchased at the dining hall cashier stand during lunch services for a one-time fee of $5 each. Multiple containers can be bought at the same price. However, these containers must be exchanged upon each use. For instance, a container used during a lunch service must be returned for a clean one the next time it’s needed.
“Even if an owner has washed their container in between uses, it must be exchanged due to health code reasons,” Swanson said. For those who don’t plan to dine in, there’s an option to exchange their used container for a token, which can be redeemed for a clean container during their next visit.
While the containers are only sold during lunch services, they can be used at any dining service without restrictions. Owners can use them for anything from full meals to a side of fries or desserts. The reusable containers became available for purchase on Sept. 11.
Staff have found the containers convenient for quick lunch breaks and meetings, while students with tight schedules appreciate the flexibility to eat later or on the go. Student-athletes, in particular, have noted the containers are a more affordable and diverse alternative to the Tiger Den.
