During the week of April 12, Dining Services awarded its student workers coupons to The Underground for a cookie and a coffee in recognition of their hard work as part of National Employee Appreciation Week. Now it’s Dining Services’ turn to be recognized. During the week of April 25 to the 30, three student organizations have teamed up to bring Mount Holyoke’s first Dining Services Appreciation Week. I recently sat down to talk with Hilary Pollan ’12 of the Food Justice Society, who organized the event along with Katie Barnum ’13 of the Student Coalition for Action, and Danielle dela Gorgendiere ’11 of the Working Class Student’s Union.
The idea of an appreciation week arose from a Food Justice Society conference with other colleges and realizing how special Mount Holyoke’s Dining Services is. “Every student [at the conference] was complaining about their dining services, and we didn’t have that problem at all,” said Pollan, who hopes to make it a biannual event.

Already around the Blanchard Campus Center, banners thanking Dining Services cover walls and the organizations have set up tables encouraging students to thank the workers for the hard work they do. “We felt the need to recognize these people who usually go unrecognized,” said Pollan. “They are an integral part of our community.”

According to Pollan, the event was discussed with Dale Hennessey, director of Dining Services, who approved of it enthusiastically. “By the end of the year, they are more exhausted than we are,” said Pollan said of the dining services workers. “At this time of the year, they really need this boost.” Dining Services workers were also anxious for the event, which includes activities, such as the organizations singing a rendition of “On Top of Old Smokey” for the workers. “They were so excited that students are interested in hearing more about their lives instead of the daily routine of ‘Here’s your food, here’s your swipe.’”

Dining Services is not only actively involved in the community, but also purchases 30% of its food locally and purchases summer produce from the Mount Holyoke Student Garden. “We want to thank Dining Services for their commitment to the community and the environment,” said Pollan.

In closing, Pollan encourages students to genuinely thank the staff throughout the week for empowering Mount Holyoke women in their own way. “They nourish us everyday. Without them, we wouldn’t have the energy to do what we do.”

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4. Bon Apetit with Dale Hennessey
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