Updating the menu with Food Services

Last February, more than 3,000 students, staff and faculty participated in University Food Services’ (UNFS) annual food survey. They shared their thoughts on everything from menus, to meal plans, to affordability and more. Now, just over six months later, UNFS wants to share a few updates on the changes they’re making based on what they heard.

Learn about the survey results

Affordability

Rising costs in all sectors have made affordability and food security significant concerns for many students, staff and faculty. While the costs of preparing and providing food to the campus community has increased, UNFS is working hard to prevent this from being felt by consumers. 

The new flagship program is the UNFS Everyday Value Menu. A diverse range of meals for $5 or $7 have been added in all kiosks at The Cove and Mystic Market. Options to bundle your meal for additional savings are also on offer. Look for the orange value icon on every food kiosk’s digital menu screen. 

Plus, based on survey feedback, the popular Meal Share Program has also been expanded. Now, eligible students can apply for a $50 credit to their ONECard flex account or a grocery store gift card.

Menus

Survey respondents asked for a greater variety of menus and more pasta options. UNFS was quick to respond, introducing pasta to daily menu rotations as well as a permanent pasta station at The Cove. You’ll also find two new food concepts—developed through student focus groups—at Mystic Market, including Indian food at Pickle & Spice and chicken sandwiches, wraps and strips at Flamin’ Good Chicken.

Meatless Mondays, a sustainability initiative, ended in the Spring based on survey results.  Vegans and vegetarians will continue to find options at all kiosks, as well as a newly expanded plant-based menu at Greens located in the Cove. Allergen-friendly options are available everywhere as well, and UNFS keeps their Ingredients and Allergens webpage up to date to help you make informed decisions. 

Survey results indicated an interest in seeing more brands on campus. In response, UNFS met with national brand representatives and negotiations are ongoing. We hope to make some announcements later this Fall, including anticipated opening timelines and locations.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains a top priority for UNFS. In addition to an array of initiatives aimed at buying local, reducing meat proteins and lightening UVic’s carbon footprint, UNFS is working towards the elimination of single-use plastics in all locations. Per the survey, a new water-refill station was installed in the Cove.

Have your say

UNFS continues to look for ways to improve campus food experiences. Big topics currently under consideration are meal-plan options, food-security supports, sustainability, and whether or not to bring more chains and brands onto campus. And there are lots of ways you can have your say!

Everyone is welcome to share thoughts and opinions about food on campus at our Feedback Pop Up at The Cove. Drop by 12-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2023 to have your say!

We’ve also introduced ‘Happy or Not’ feedback kiosks at The Cove, Mystic Market, and BiblioCafé so you can share your food reviews and customer-service feedback with UNFS, in the moment. The UNFS management and culinary team regularly reviews feedback and in addition to survey results, this helps inform changes and improvements to offerings.

The newly formed Residence Dining Committee (RDC) will meet regularly throughout the academic year to provide advice and guidance to UNFS on all aspects of the dining experience for meal-plan students. If you are interested in being an RDC member, please send a request to eat@uvic.ca.

UNFS will also conduct an extensive survey for on-campus residents in October to hear their thoughts on the future of meal plans, including a potential transition to an all-access dining model.

More pop-ups and feedback options will occur throughout the year. Follow @UVicFood on Instagram to stay up to date.