The start of the fall semester has brought campuswide changes to Temple Dining Services that offer a healthier, more economical approach to on-campus eating.

Drew Lebo, area marketing coordinator for Sodexo, says the changes were sparked by input he received after the opening of Mitchell and Hilarie Morgan Hall last fall. “We went through a strategic planning process last year that included interviews with Temple staff and focus groups with students,” Lebo said.

According to Lebo, one of the most important groups in developing the plan was Temple Student Government, which arranged for students to provide direct feedback. “Input from students was crucial in developing our strategy,” he said.

A majority of the changes can be found in Morgan Hall, where the second-floor food court has been replaced with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The first floor still houses tried-and-true favorites—Tony Luke's, WokStar, Pleasant News and the Southside Diner—but now includes the Bistro at Morgan, offering coffee, bakery items, soups and salads.

Also on the first floor, a convenience store has replaced Auntie Anne’s, where students can pick up personal items using cash, credit, Diamond Dollars and meal plans.

Temple Dining Services is holding a contest for students to name the new store. Between now and October 1, students can tweet name ideas to @TUDining with the hashtag #TUNameIt for a chance to win $150 Diamond Dollars and bragging rights.

In addition to changes at Morgan Hall, Temple Dining Services is adding new meal and dining options at locations across campus, such as Simply to Go in the new Science Education and Research Center.

Along with the physical changes, Temple Dining Services has introduced a nationally recognized and award-winning healthy eating plan called Mindful. This program offers a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle for students and will feature educational events in dining halls across campus.

Temple Dining Services also will be offering monthly programming to give students a chance to get to know the staff and provide feedback. The first event is scheduled at Johnson and Hardwick Dining Center on September 30. 

“We really hope to give the students a way to really get to know our chefs, staff and management team so that they can share concerns,” Lebo said.