The problems and the plans for the UMKC Foodiverse

  There’s been a stark difference between what is being served at the “Foodiverse” dining hall and what is being advertised by UMKC on its online webpage. 

  From menu options not being served to their online expectation not matching reality, students, faculty and management weigh in about what has happened and what we can expect from the future of the Foodiverse.

 “I’ve got three solid choices, and I have to rotate them for 10 meals over the course of five days. I’m repeating the same food options again and again and again, if there was more variety, that would be really appreciated,” said Ariana Holmberg, a junior music major.

She says that she eats lunch and dinner at the Foodiverse five times a week, and her current dining options are essentially a cheeseburger, a deli sandwich or a cheese pizza.

 The Feb. 5 online lunch menu was a laundry list: Buffalo jalapeno fried chicken, butternut squash quinoa cakes, a peri peri tostada, grilled fresh cod, turkey kofta, grilled chicken breast, buffalo blue crispy chick’n tenders, a Latin spiced potato bowl, a black bean tostada pizza, soba noodle salad, falafel pita sandwich and an eggplant milanese sandwich. 

  Come lunch time, there were only Holmberg’s three previously mentioned options. Along with a salad bar, stirfry and surprisingly enough a peri peri tostada.

  “The dining hall has an obligation to make sure the menu is accurate. If they’re not serving the food, then it shouldn’t be on the menu,” Holmberg said.

  This peri peri tostada confirmed that the online menu and the dining hall must have some sort of connection; however, it still proves to be lacking the rest of the menu.

  Chancellor Mauli Agrawal told Roonews, “If there are technical difficulties, we will double down and look at those to make sure the accurate information is provided for our students.”

  Jody Jefferies, director of UMKC Student Union, said staff have recognized challenges with alignment between menus and the actual cuisine being served within the Foodiverse.

  “District management has engaged their IT team who are actively working to resolve this issue,” Jefferies said.

  While online issues are being addressed, Jefferies said, “Our local team will continue work within our culinary staff to bridge the gap between the posted menu and our daily offerings. This includes improved communication and addressing the frustrations our campus community has experienced.”

   “I’m honestly confused, like what the heck, I don’t know if they’ve been cutting down costs or something,” said Nate Graham, a junior media arts and design student.

  Graham says his favorite spot, Seven Spoons, used to serve a wide variety of food, even barbecue.

 “They’ve just toned down to rice, chicken and carrots and I’m honestly kind of disappointed in that.”

  On the Student Union Foodiverse webpage, UMKC claims its dining hall is, “Featuring a wide variety of fresh food designed to satisfy everyone’s appetite with food choices to rival your favorite restaurants.”

  Students on campus noticed regional employees of Sodexo, the food services group responsible for the Foodiverse in the dining hall Monday, Feb 9. 

  “The goal is always to provide food services that are affordable and a good product for our students,” Chancellor Agrawal said.

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