Due to the increasing importance of improving student life at Indiana University Kokomo, the cafeteria is implementing some changes to create a better dining experience for students, faculty, and staff.

To start, new “grab n’ go” items are being placed in the cooler in the cafeteria. Breakfast sandwiches, cheeseburgers, buffalo chicken sandwiches, roasted turkey dinners, turkey flatbread sandwiches, salads, or a ham and cheese croissant will be readily available to microwave or eat cold. All food comes pre-packed with a microwavable safe plate and condiments included. Prices range from one to three dollars, and wellness options are available.

Lyn Allison, dining district manager of AVI Foodsystems, is very pleased to add this for the campus.

“I’m glad to be able to better serve the campus by adding these food options. So far, it seems that these new additions will be a great hit,” Allison said.

For the start of the spring 2012 semester, the campus can expect a new vending machine featuring these food items, plus more. The vending machine will be placed in the main building with the other machines. Not only will the cheeseburgers and sandwiches be an option, but meals such as chili mac, biscuits and gravy, veal parmesan, and scalloped potatoes will be added as well.

A nice addition to the vending options is that the food is never frozen and no preservatives are added.

“The great thing about our vending food is that it is fresh,” Allison added. “The food is usually prepared late at night and we receive it early the next morning, ensuring the best quality is provided to the campus.”

There will also be a variety of wellness options added. Chicken Caesar, garden fresh, and chef salads will be available, and the great thing is that all toppings are separate from the lettuce, so the salad can be prepared to your liking.

Sarah Sarber, dean of students, also looks forward to the new machines.

“The food is delicious, and we’re all very excited for the new options,” Sarber stated. “This will add convenience for students, faculty, and staff.”

All labels will come with a calorie count and nutritional facts. If you’re interested in learning more about these food options, stop by the cafeteria located in the Kelley Center.

Story by Mary Olk, Editor-in-Chief