By Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds | Observer Contributor
Photo by Ayana Broeur-Edmonds
Gina Vilayphone, student trustee and founder of the food committee, said that by Fall 2018, the student body should see major improvements in the accessibility of school food.
The food committee was founded within the Student Government Association (SGA). Currently there are three active committee members. Through passing out surveys, the committee gathered the student body’s opinions on the cafeteria and relayed their words to the cafeteria staff. Common responses from these surveys, according to Vilayphone, included complaints about the affordability. However, there were not many concerns expressed over the quality of the items currently on the menu.
The information from the food committee goes directly to Bob LaBonte, Lynne Franciose, and Kyle LeGrand. LaBonte is the Vice President of finances at MWCC, meanwhile Franciose and LeGrand are the head staff of the school cafeteria. Vilayphone has been meeting with the head staff for weeks, and she said the student body concerns were taken seriously.
Vilayphone said MWCC and the cafeteria are fully co-operating and they are swiftly responding. The school wanted to make a change in the menu before, but they needed more information, which the food committee has finally provided. Progress is already in motion, with the addition of chicken nuggets to the menu. New vending machines to cater to day and night students should arrive within the next month.
Vilayphone also mentioned a future renovation of the food corner at the student center. There is talk of new automated vending machines stocked with fresh food from the cafeteria, and the area will be redesigned and named by the committee.
Vilayphone was influenced to start the food committee because of student concerns she received towards the affordability of food within the school. She personally believes that the menu pricing is a problem, and that it is currently not within the average student’s budget.
Vilayphone has been attending MWCC for four semesters. Her major is Interdisciplinary studies, and she is a member of several school clubs. She is the founder and president of the Women of the World club, and she is a member of the Parent Support Group. She is also part of the Philosophy club. Since Vilayphone is also the student trustee, she said that she listens closely to the needs and concerns of her fellow students.
If students have any concerns over the cafeteria but do not know who to speak to, Vilayphone advised they approach the SGA and the information will be relayed to the appropriate people. Students and staff could also approach any member of the food committee or the cafeteria staff. If someone were interested in joining the committee, Vilayphone said that you have to be a member of the SGA.
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