College cafeterias dropping lunch trays

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Students at the College of Southern Idaho are juggling more than books this semester after the school adopted a “trayless dining” policy in its cafeteria.

College officials say they got rid of the food trays to help conserve water and energy.

Students also waste less food because they no longer have the option of overloading their cafeteria trays, said College of Southern Idaho food services director Tom Koerner.

Before the college removed the cafeteria trays, a 55-gallon trash bin was emptied three times during the lunch period, Koerner said. The trash bin is now emptied just once.

Nationwide, an increasing number of colleges and universities have shed their cafeteria trays to cut down on wasted food and dishwashing loads.

Around the state, Boise State University, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College also ditched cafeteria trays.

Idaho State University in Pocatello quit using trays this school year, said dining services director Debbie Woodland. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston gave up trays in April, said food service manager Erika Price.

Students welcomed the new policy after they understood the benefits, Price said.

At the College of Southern Idaho, the policy has required students like LaCale Pringle-Buchanan to do something of a balancing act as they try to carry plates, cups and silverware. The sophomore had the misfortune of spilling cranberry juice on her shirt.

“I don’t like it at all,” she said. “If you have stuff, you should be able to use a tray.”

But nursing student Kayla Ross said she doesn’t mind because it will help cut down on the amount of food being thrown away.