Cal State Monterey Bay has made updates to their Chartwells contract. This adjustment to the 10-year agreement granted clubs the ability to buy and hand out non-perishable food, outside of Chartwells.
Chartwells covers the catering and food related business on campus and “the current agreement makes Chartwells the exclusive provider for covered food-service operations,” said university spokesperson Mark Muckenfuss.
Some 350 college campuses also use Chatwells for their catering and food needs.
Chartwells has been a part of CSUMB since 2021, and shortly after was adopted by the CSU system.
“The systemwide partnership gives CSUMB access to shared resources and support, with a dining program and financial package tailored to campus needs,” said Muckenfuss.
Clubs use Chartwells services for food and beverages at events. Before these new guidelines, club members could not distribute food that was not bought through Chartwells.
“At least monthly we have clubs putting in catering requests,” said Zelta Taylor, Inter Club Council president. “Sometimes it can be super frustrating to work with them purely because communication isn’t always the best, nor is availability of dishes. But for the most part, we can get what we want. It’s just all kind of expensive.”
The minimum fee for any catering is $150. Clubs either have to buy that amount of food or they will get charged a fee that will put them up to the minimum.
“We are thrilled. ICC is so excited that we can buy non-perishable foods for so much cheaper. It’s going to be so much lighter on club budgets when our budget is already stretched pretty thin,” said Taylor. “We know clubs are overjoyed about the opportunity to get to buy cheaper items. And honestly, I think it’s going to reduce the amount we work with Chartwells.”
ICC is producing a new guideline on what food is allowed at potlucks. Clubs can expect the regulations by next semester.
Feedback about dining services can be sent to Dining Services at [email protected].