C2M Dining Reporter Nicole Lewis

Students petition for school to donate unused meal plans

A program is in the works that will allow George Mason University students to redistribute a percentage of their unused meal plans to homeless students on campus.

The program, called Patriot 2 Patriot, proposes that unused money from pre-paid meal plans be redistributed into a university fund. Only students who prove financial need in compliance with the Financial Aid Office policy will be able to utilize the funds.

High energy comes with high risks

George Mason University dining is buzzing about the health risks from energy drinks.

Mason Dining’s Registered Dietitian Lois Durant hosted an event on Feb. 25 discouraging students from over-consuming energy drinks. The event acknowledged the health risks of energy drinks such as Red Bull, 5-hour Energy and Monster for the students who consume them.

Because energy drinks are most popular among young adults, Durant believes it is important to warn Mason students of these health risks.

Mason begins work on new dining contract

Headway is being made in the process to finalize a new George Mason University dining contract.

Mason’s Dining Services Request for Proposals committee has reached a confidential decision regarding to whom they will grant the 5-year contract. Dining companies Sodexo and Chartwells are competing for the contract.

Mason Dining brings new food options to campus

If you think George Mason University is out of new dining ideas, think again. Mason is bringing four new additions to campus this year including Doug the Food Dude, Lemongrass, Cupcakes Actually and Manhattan Pizza.

Sodexo and other company present competing visions for Mason Dining

Two dining companies, Sodexo and Chartwells, gave bid presentations on Dec. 5 outlining each company’s vision for the dining future they would offer at George Mason University.

Dining contracts last five years, and include a renewal option at the end of agreement. Sodexo’s contract expires this January.

Nutritional dining facility opens in Southside

Adding a fresh and unique concept to college dining halls, Mason Dining has received excellent feedback about Peak Performance, their newest addition to Southside.

On Nov. 19, Mason Dining held a grand opening for Peak Performance in Southside, which brought together President Angel Cabrera, various Mason Athletics coaches, members of Mason Dining, and student-athletes.

According to Ram Nabar, Mason Dining’s resident district manager, Peak Performance was a collaborative effort between Mason Dining and Mason’s athletic department.

Einstein Bros. Bagel opens new location in University Hall

On Friday, Oct. 26 Einstein Bros. Bagels opened in University Hall on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.

 Manager Vada Smith said the opening went well despite closing earlier than normal business hours and not having the LED sign up until Nov. 6. Smith is confident that people will take advantage of their location because of its size and surrounding. 

“We have lots of space set up for laptops, and with all the [surrounding] administration, people would want to come spend time here,” Smith said. 

Mason Dining takes steps to improve sustainability

As interest in sustainability increases on campus, Mason Dining has expanded some of its projects to reduce the impact of food services on the environment.

Within the next few months, Mason Dining will begin offering a reusable container called “Choose to Reuse” as a more sustainable alternative to the current disposable boxes used in places like the Johnson Center and the Pilot House.

Mason Dining hosts season fun at farmer's market and fair

George Mason University’s dining services collaborated with Keany Produce Co. to host the Southside Farmer’s Market and Fair yesterday afternoon in celebration of National Food Day. This is the second time Southside has hosted the farmer’s market, this time with seasonal features.

Seasonal produce was available for purchase such as spaghetti squash, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, apples, apple cider, and candy apples.

Everlasting Life Café no longer coming to University Hall

Everlasting Life Café will no longer open a location at George Mason University because café management made an economic decision to terminate the lease, according to Mark Kraner, executive director of Campus Retail Operations.

Everlasting Life Café serves 100 percent vegan food with organic and raw options, according to their website.  The café planned to occupy a space in University Hall this semester, however, after finalizing the construction costs they withdrew.