University Cafeterias Eliminate Food Trays, Discourage Waste

July 23, 2008 10:34 a.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - Many university cafeterias across the U.S. have eliminated food trays in an effort to discourage waste and reduce energy use at all-you-can-eat campus restaurants.

According to a survey by catering giants Aramark and Sodexo, some schools have pilot-tested doing away with food-filled trays. The study showed a 50 percent decrease in wasted food, often left behind by students. The procedure also saved cafeteria operators money for washing trays.

The new concept was received well by 79 percent of 92,000 students surveyed by Aramark. Among the campuses where the no-tray experiment was tried were the New York University, University of North Carolina and the University of Florida.

Within the next five years, a majority of the 4,000 U.S. colleges and universities will remove food trays from their dining halls, forecast Julian Dautremont-Smith, associated director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Meanwhile, to reduce food prices, large supermarkets in Long Island said they will purchase more food items from the local market to reduce shipping costs and economically help nearby farms.

Sal Baio, vice president of A and P's Fresh Department, told Newsday, "We're listening to our consumers. They're looking for sustainability, they're looking for products that are grown closer to home, and where that's available, we're right there with them."