Over 100 Supporters Sign Petition to Enhance EU’s Food Quality
A graphic displaying the petition on change.org on Oct. 5. The petition has garnered over 100 signatures and its creator hopes to affect positive change in the EU cafe. (Credit: Ian Murphy)
A Change.org petition, “Ensure Safe and Adequate Food at Elmhurst University,” has received more than 100 verified signatures from supporters hopeful for improved food quality, variety, and access at the university. The petition, created by “Armitus Kingdom” on Saturday, Sept. 20, lists Elmhurst University Dining Services as a decision maker.
The Leader previously reported mixed student responses toward EU’s dining changes, which include a new meal plan, an all-you-can-eat model, and a new layout.
“As a student at Elmhurst University, I’ve personally experienced a significant decline in the quality and availability of food on campus since the implementation of new rules regarding dining services,” the petition begins. “Despite the promise of unlimited access to food for an hour, the reality has been far from satisfactory. Many students, including myself, find themselves struggling to get enough to eat in between classes due to limited time and insufficient food options.”
“Our university should be a place where students can focus on their education without the added stress of worrying about whether they will have access to safe and adequate meals,” the petition continues, claiming that several students have fallen ill due to unsafe dining conditions.
The petition also notes that foodborne illnesses affect millions in the United States every year, and EU students should not be at risk.
The petition calls on the university to take immediate action by thoroughly inspecting all dining facilities to comply with health and safety standards, enhancing the quality and variety of meals to support all dietary needs, and increasing food availability to accommodate students under strict time constraints.
“This is not just about meals; this is about our health, our focus, and our ability to succeed academically,” adds the petition. “We deserve a dining program that supports our educational experience, not hinders it.”
“Together, we can drive the change needed to enhance our campus life and ensure a healthier future for every student,” the petition concludes.
In addition to signatures, the petition has received multiple supportive comments expressing similar dissatisfaction with the new dining format.
“This is the very reason I opt not to eat at the University dining hall, especially with such limited options for lunch/dinner. Very inconvenient,” commented one supporter.
“Due to the new meal plan system, I’m rarely able to get food as my classes align almost perfectly with the cafe’s operating hours. I heavily relied on getting my meals in the Roost as the hours were more accessible,” wrote another supporter, who added that although their physical disabilities require them to bring food back to their dorm, they can no longer get to the cafe in time and cannot afford a to-go container.
“I finish the week with half my meal swipes left, I got food poisoning from The Roost, and the food in the cafeteria tastes and feels like cardboard,” commented a third supporter, Mikhaila, who later told the Leader that she loses an estimated $60 per week on leftover meal swipes.
EU’s main cafeteria eating area in the Frick Center after-hours on Aug. 15. Over the summer, the main cafeteria was partially renovated as part of a broader plan by Chartwells to improve campus dining. (PC: Ian Murphy)
On Tuesday, Sept. 23 — just three days after the petition’s creation — the Office of Student Affairs announced in an email that starting Friday, Sept. 26, late-night meal options would be available in the Roost seven days a week between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The email also promised various other changes that will be put into effect immediately or in the near future, including a redesign and rename of the homestyle station to provide more variety and protein options, grab-and-go grill specials on weekdays, expanded halal options, and new partners for several October events.
Additionally, the email mentioned that an open discussion with Chartwells’ directors will be held on Oct. 14 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., though a location has not yet been decided.
Following these announcements, Armitus Kingdom updated the petition to thank everyone for their support and encourage them to view the university’s response.
“The school heard our concerns and is now taking into consideration reforming the meal plans and much more,” wrote Armitus Kingdom. “We made tons of progress and have much more to work towards!”
