Last Thursday night, March 12, Union University decided to transition Brewer Dining Hall to an all grab-and-go system in an attempt to encourage social distancing among students, faculty and staff at the university in response to COVID-19. The decision went into effect the next day, starting with breakfast on Friday morning.
The university also closed the Lexington Café as a measure to promote social distancing.
Inside Brewer Dining Hall, the salad bar, drink machines and seating areas are blocked off. Customers take a to-go box around the food stations, and staff serve them their choices of food. In lieu of the salad bar, some of The Lex’s grab-and-go options are available, including boxed salads, bistro boxes and fruit cups.
Brewer Dining Hall cashiers are wearing gloves, and staff is more regularly disinfecting surfaces and utensils. A handwashing sink beside the grill is available for anyone to use, along with new hand sanitizer stations.
“The fewer hands that touch things, the better off everybody is,” said Gena Mandle, assistant director of dining. “Whatever you can carry, take it out the door and eat it wherever you can eat it.”
Students are encouraged to take their to-go meals back to their dorms in accordance with social distancing.
The absence of the salad bar has presented possible challenges for those with dietary restrictions. Students are welcome to email dining@uu.edu to request accommodations for dietary restrictions.
“For me, the transition to Cobo to-go has been very smooth and easy,” said Jenna Mincy, sophomore graphic design major. “Of course, nothing replaces eating in Cobo with your pals, but considering the state of the world at the current moment, I am happy to take my food to-go in order to do my part to fight against COVID-19.”
Brewer Dining Hall will be closed for spring break, beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 20, but plans to resume its to-go operations after spring break for any students who choose to live on campus during the time of social distancing.
Photo by Nikki Grim
