With the previous caterer, Albron, things finally started to improve (after a lot of criticism from students and employees), Armstrong sighs. “They sold freshly made vegan rolls, for example. The new caterer is a step backwards. The vegan assortment is smaller and more expensive; moreover, products are often pre-packed in plastic, instead of more sustainable packaging materials.”
She feels the university should intervene. “Students at FHML are taught about the importance of healthy food. In addition, the UM often emphasises that it wants to promote sustainability. Then you have to practice what you preach.” The petition contains three clear demands: there must be more and cheaper vegan options, fewer snacks and other unhealthy products, and plastic and non-degradable packaging must go.
René Kersten, account manager for the Eurest locations at among others the UM, does not agree with all the criticism. “We reckon that we have a considerable assortment of healthy food on offer. That line was set up by Albron and with Eurest the possibilities have grown, because this company is much further in the field of sustainability and healthy products. So, we do not recognise the image that there has been a step backwards since the change in caterer – on the contrary.”
Cutlery and packaging are no longer made from plastic, but from alternative materials such as wood and cellophane, he continues. “Moreover, we have to wrap a lot of products at the moment because of the hygiene measures connected to COVID-19, which would not normally be the case,” says Kersten. The fact that disposable articles are used at all, has to do with the set-up of the building – there is not a large dishwashing kitchen available. “That is why we use reusable materials, which people themselves can wash at home and bring in to be used again.”
Mark Anneveldt, the contract manager who is responsible for contracting out in the field of food and drinks, states that the UM does not want to have a complete vegan assortment. “It is a deliberate decision by the UM to have sufficient freedom of choice on offer. That is why, alongside all kinds of healthy options, there are also less healthy alternatives available.” He is somewhat surprised by the content of the petition. “Because there are already various initiatives with regard to these subjects but also because the points mentioned have not been reported in the customer satisfaction surveys.”
The two will sit down with Armstrong on Monday. Kersten: “To explain what we already do, but also to listen to her ideas. Just like we have a meeting with the UM’s Green Office every three months. After all, things can always be better.” Anneveldt also hopes to determine how the communication regarding existing initiatives can be improved. “Normally, we organise regular feedback sessions. Unfortunately, these could hardly take place because of the COVID-19 measures.”