The Facts: University Dining has 600 more meal plans this semester than last. This has led to overcrowding in the dining halls during peak hours. To address the problem, the University Affairs Committee is working in tandem with University Dining to develop a plan for takeout containers.
Our Opinion: Takeout containers would be a welcome addition to the dining halls. They would reduce overcrowding and provide student with more dining flexibility.
The dining halls have been extremely busy this fall; University Dining has a record 8,100 meal plans this semester, an increase of 600 plans from spring semester.
The problems of cycling the influx of students through the dining halls during peak hours — usually during the middle of the dinner period, between 6 and 7 p.m. — has led to overcrowding and frustration amongst students.
Because of the overcrowding — a longstanding issue for the dining halls — the University Affairs Committee, at the behest of University Dining, is considering a measure to adopt takeout containers at the dining halls.
The plan, to add takeout containers at the dining halls, is a great idea and provides some additional flexibility for students while relieving overcrowding. University Dining must ensure, though, that the program, if implemented, is a step towards relieving dining-hall congestion and not a stopgap measure to mask the problem.
Jennifer Gilmore, the communications manager for dining and catering operations, said University Dining and its director, Randy Lait, have looked seriously into the possibility of takeout containers. She expects the University to develop a plan by the end of the semester and sees the concept as a real possibility.
Gilmore said the takeout containers are a logical progression for University Dining. At smaller schools, such as East Carolina University, dining facilities passed capacity a decade ago. Hence, the universities development a carryout system much sooner.
Now it’s N.C. State’s turn to catch up and bring takeout containers to its dining halls.
UNC-Chapel Hill adopted a method involving recyclable containers for its carryout program. Gilmore said NCSU’s discussions have covered similar ideas.
Making the takeout containers sustainable is a noble pursuit and should be an integral part of the University’s plans.
The concept of takeout at NCSU dining halls is long overdue. It is now a necessity to stunt dining-hall congestion and appease students’ frustrations.
Despite the positive move, Dining cannot ignore the overarching problem. Takeout containers will not eradicate overcrowding.
The takeout containers must serve as a catalyst for other student friendly changes to the overcrowded dining halls on main campus.
