Grand Valley’s catering service provides nutrition as well as jobs on campus

Elli Wondergem


Classic Fare Catering established in 2005 is a catering program in the basement of the Kirkhof Center. On average 2nd year students start to find out what this is and that it's a job one could have while in college. Overall, catering programs for colleges play a crucial role in providing convenient and nutritious meals to students, faculty, and staff. They offer a variety of menu options, accommodate special events, prioritize food safety, and aim to be flexible in meeting the unique needs of the college community. Catering programs for colleges are designed to provide food services to students, faculty, and staff on campus. These programs ensure that individuals have access to nutritious and satisfying meals throughout the day. Most colleges offer meal plans that allow students to eat in designated dining halls on campus. These plans typically provide a certain number of meals per week or semester. For example, a college might offer a 10-meal-per-week plan, where students can use their meal credits at specified times to eat in the dining hall. Menu Options Catering programs for colleges usually offer a wide range of menu options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. 

These menus often include a variety of cuisines, such as American, Asian, Mexican, and vegetarian/vegan options.

 For instance, a college might have a salad bar, a grill station, a pasta station, and a dessert bar to accommodate different food preferences. Colleges often host special events like conferences, meetings, and social gatherings that require catering services. Catering programs for colleges can offer tailored menus and services for these events. A college might provide buffet-style meals, hors d'oeuvres, and beverage stations for a conference or a formal dinner for a graduation ceremony. According to Executive chef Alexis Brown “The catering team is an important service to the college and we do a range of events from donation dinners, to scholarship awards, etiquette classes, to large faculty and staff functions”. Food Safety and Hygiene Catering programs for colleges prioritize food safety and hygiene. They comply with local health regulations and maintain high standards of cleanliness. For instance, college catering programs train their staff in proper food handling techniques, implement temperature controls, and conduct regular inspections to ensure safe food preparation and service. Flexibility Catering programs for colleges aim to be flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of their students and staff. They may offer options for customization, such as allergen-free meals or accommodations for specific dietary restrictions. Additionally, some catering programs provide grab-and-go options for individuals who prefer quick and convenient meals.