The FedEx Institute of Technology can overwhelm students with all of its technical innovations. But it's the smell of fresh baked cookies and cinnamon rolls that drive the students wild. Wild with hunger, that is.
These mouth-watering aromas are all part of The University of Memphis and Aramark's grand design to tempt students into spending money at the numerous eating facilities on campus.
"We are in competition with all of the food places that are within walking distance," said Chuck Wigington, food service director. "We strive to provide a product to the students on campus that is comparable to what is available off campus."
University of Memphis students have quite a few choices available. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available at both the Tiger Den and The UC Marketplace, and cooked-to-order pasta is available in the Tiger Den.
"The pasta bar is comparable to what is available in restaurants. We serve anywhere from 20-to-30 people daily," Wigington said.
Health-conscious students have options such as make-your-own salads, prepared salads and pre-cut fruits, fresh fruits and yogurt. Subway offers salads and vegetarian sandwiches with Atkins approved bread options and Tsunami offers a variety of sushi choices.
For special events, such as the patio party scheduled for today by the Tiger Den, catering is available. Joyce Small, baker of the desserts that are everywhere on campus, handles catering. Catering menus are available in the UC Marketplace and online at the UC web site.
Questions have been raised by many students regarding rising food prices and the variety of food choices in the dining facilities.
"I don't eat here because I don't make enough money. When I did eat here, it seemed that while the food was good it would cost more every day," said Richard Faith, a junior communication major. "I like the Tiger Den, especially Subway, because sandwiches from Subway don't weigh you down but it fills you up so that you are not still hungry."
Fellow communication student Matt Goad agreed with Faith.
"The pizza here is not too bad but I like Chik-Fil-A. For the price of one slice of pizza I could get a sandwich and fries at Chik-Fil-A," Goad said.
Food prices on campus were raised due to food costs being raised, according to Wigington.
"Inflated food costs are due to various reasons, i.e. the 'Mad Cow' and 'Bird Flu' scares, and meat products contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella," Wigington said.
Even the weather plays a part in food cost issues.
For example, drought and flooding over the last few years hurt crop production in many of the major agricultural states, Wigington said. United States Department of Commerce (USDC) limits on fish and seafood also affects food costs.
"We provide a service to the students, faculty, and staff here at The University of Memphis," Wigington said. "The rising cost of food affects what we do and what we can offer to our customers."
