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Cafeteria theft: 450 plates disappeared – students react!
Numerous pieces of crockery disappear in the Mainz university cafeteria. Student union discusses solutions to curb theft.
Cafeteria theft: 450 plates disappeared – students react!
A sensitive case at the University of Mainz is causing a stir: In the “Bambus” cafeteria, 450 of 500 freshly purchased cake plates disappeared without a trace within four weeks. The student union is anything but happy about these events. Sebastian Stüber, head of university catering, made a clear statement in an Instagram video and called for the missing plates to be returned. However, this is not the only concern plaguing those responsible. In addition to the plates, forks, spoons and bowls and fries are also missing, which significantly affects the quality of the food on offer in the cafeteria.
A look at the numbers reveals how serious the situation is: Last year, 1,590 bowls of fries were ordered, of which only 100 are currently available. “This means that we are often no longer able to sell fries,” reports Alexandra Diestel-Feddersen, a representative of the student union. In addition, many of the missing utensils are still on campus, in offices, tea kitchens and shared apartments, which makes the problem even more incomprehensible.
Discussion round to solve the problem
In order to discuss the plight, the student union is inviting people to a discussion in the central cafeteria on Wednesday at 12 p.m. Students are already expressing their concerns that the general public could be punished for the behavior of individuals through increased food prices. A suggested solution would be to reintroduce the free paper bags, which are currently subject to a charge. The money raised goes towards plants for the cafeteria. However, the student union has made it clear that a return to free bags is not desired as this would contradict the idea of sustainability.
Another proposal to charge a deposit on dishes is also under discussion. However, this idea is also being viewed critically as it could potentially cause long lines at the return station and require additional staff. Instead, the student union relies on reusable tableware and encourages students to bring their own dishes. A fair concept, given the current situation.
Together for university catering
With “Meet the Gastro”, the student union offers an open exchange format in which students, university members and external guests can talk directly to the university catering team. During these meetings, participants have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to continually improve the offering. This is done in the hope of increasing the satisfaction of everyone involved and finding solutions to the challenges in the cafeteria together. The dates are announced on the Student Union website as well as in the canteens and social media.
In times when sustainability is becoming increasingly important, other university canteens are also placing emphasis on environmentally conscious decisions. In Karlsruhe, for example, an environmental score is created for dishes based on the Eaternity database. This score assesses the climate-friendliness of the food and raises awareness of the connection between nutrition and climate change. A great initiative that can encourage people to think about such concepts in Mainz too.
Especially at a time when awareness of one's own environment is increasing, it is important that everyone pulls together. The student union takes its responsibility seriously and hopes for the students' help to make the cafeteria a welcoming place again in the future.