As part of our commitment to the well-being of the students, faculty, and staff we maintain processes and protocols to help ensure the safety of campus dining operations at all times.
- Cleaning & Sanitation
- CLEANING: Our sanitation standards are industry-leading and designed to ensure that all equipment, service wares and physical spaces are maintained at the highest level of cleanliness. Our products (detergents, sanitizers, and disinfectants) have the highest possible efficacy ratings and each associate receives extensive and ongoing training to guide them through specific cleaning requirements for every station and space.
- HIGH TOUCH CLEANING: As part of our efforts to maintain the safest possible environments, each location has identified the surfaces and items that warrant more frequent cleaning and sanitation, such as tabletops, door handles, light switches, condiment stations, stair rails, etc.
- EQUIPMENT: All equipment utilized in cleaning and sanitation, including dishwashers and chemical dispensers are checked multiple times per day for correct temperatures, concentrations, and functionality.
- Health Guidelines
- HAND HYGIENE: The most important safeguard against spreading germs has always been proper hand hygiene. We have provided our students and guests with hand wash stations, hand sanitizer, ‘no-touch’ service options and targeted signage and communication to promote hand hygiene. Our employees receive substantial and ongoing training on proper hand hygiene and the appropriate use of gloves, as well as a schedule of mandatory hand washing.
- FACIAL COVERINGS: Our facial covering policy remains aligned with current federal (CDC), state, local, and school requirements. While these are evolving daily, we are committed to keeping our guests and staff safe utilizing facial coverings.
- EMPLOYEE HEALTH: Before starting work, each employee confirms daily that they are not experiencing any symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, shortness of breath, etc.).
- Product Safety
- VENDORS & SUPPLIERS: All suppliers must pass stringent safety and sanitation requirements to gain and maintain approval to be a vendor to Aramark.
- FOOD SAFETY: Aramark standards for food receipt, storage, handling, and preparation are detailed and specific. Each step of the process is monitored and documented so that quality, temperature control, and contamination risks are managed at all times.
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Modifications Made to Dining Locations
- Seating capacity in dining areas such as Fresh Food Company, Seymour's and Agora will be adjusted according to the CDC and local, state, and federal guidelines. To assist guests in maintaining proper social distance, seating capacity will be adjusted to ensure at least six feet between tables, and that there are no more than six chairs per table. In addition, signage will be placed throughout all dining locations to help with the flow of traffic.
- Due to a decrease of available tables at most locations, Eagle Dining is placing an increased focus on mobile food ordering through GrubHub.
- Signage to indicate traffic flow and social distancing guides will be placed in and around all applicable locations.
- Where applicable, self-service and buffet style dining will be replaced by food served by dining personnel.
- All Eagle Dining employees will undergo health and temperature screenings prior to their shifts, will be required to wear face coverings and gloves, and wash hands at least every 20 minutes. In addition, cleaning and sanitation of all production and dining areas will be conducted frequently. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, hand sanitation stations will be provided for guests throughout all food service locations.
- In order to provide the safest possible transaction experience, dining locations on campus have implemented a “no cash” operation. Accepted methods of payment will include Visa, MasterCard, Amex, via swipe or chip, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung and, of course, student ID loaded with a meal plan or declining balance dollars. All credit card machines will be guest facing and will not require a PIN.
- For students who need to isolate in temporary housing on-campus, Eagle Dining will ensure that nutritious meals are prepared and delivered to the appropriate residence hall for distribution by designated personnel.
For more information on our response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.usm.edu/covid-19/index.php
