UMaine Dining engagement opportunities in February

University of Maine Dining and Sodexo continue their community engagement in February with the continuation of open forums and the launch of a Culinary Council. Both are opportunities to provide feedback on campus dining and the partnership with Sodexo, announced last fall.

Starting on Feb. 9 and continuing on the second Thursday of each month from 1–2 p.m., members of the UMaine community — students and employees — can register to join the Culinary Council. Members will have an opportunity to learn about new recipes, give their input into menus and more. Registration is online

Campus Dining Open Forums will be held from 10–11:30 a.m. and 2–3:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 in the Bear’s Den Pub in the Memorial Union. 

“Having the Sodexo team join us here on campus has been an exciting new experience,” says general manager Kerry Chasteen. “They bring a wealth of knowledge, a love of food and most importantly the desire to see our campus food service get even better. We can’t wait to see what our community has to say when they join the Culinary Council, at a focus group or through the survey.”

Joining Chasteen, former interim director of UMaine Dining, is Sodexo resident district manager Tadd Stone, who comes to UMaine from the University of Southern Maine dining program and has worked in food service for more than 24 years. 

“We’re so excited to have a busy spring semester full of new programs and lots of opportunities for the campus to give us feedback,” Stone says. “Joining Kerry and the UMaine Dining team has been a joy. They’re dedicated to student service, talented and we’re excited to provide students with opportunities to try new things while also keeping UMaine’s traditions alive.”

For information on other upcoming events, to request a reasonable accommodation or to set up an interview to learn more about UMaine’s food service leadership, contact Debra Bell, 207.356.2353; debra.bell@maine.edu.