Sodexo pulls out
MRU’s food supplier terminates their contract with one year remaining
Nathan Ross
Web Editor
Mount Royal students are going to have even less choices for food on campus this year as Sodexo will no longer be providing food to the campus, leaving some holes in MRU’s already-scarce selection.
The biggest impact that students will notice is that the Herb ’n’ Market – often touted as a healthier option to food court in Wyckham House – will be closed as classes start up again. There is good potential that it won’t be open for the entire school year, according to Students’ Association of Mount Royal University President Sadiq Valianni.
The image of the Herb ‘n’ Market behind bars is one that students will have to get used to, whether they like it or not. Photo credit: Nathan Ross
Behind the scenes, a lot has been going on over the summer to fill some of the gaps left by Sodexo. Wyckham House will still be open, but not all the food kiosks from last year will be returning. The majority of them are returning though, and catering is now being taken care of from within, as a new position being created to help in that regard.
Carley Patten will be coming in as the Catering and Venue Rentals Coordinator to make sure things run smoothly with Sodexo’s sudden departure.
Sodexo did not return our calls, but the rumour circulating is that the largest food supplier in the world terminated their contract with Mount Royal because they were not making enough money.
Valianni wanted to re-assure students that they have no need to worry about eating on campus this year.
“Obviously if the Herb ‘n’ Market’s not going to be open, we’ll all still need to eat, because that doesn’t go away — so I’m sure Wyckham House will be a little bit busier,” said Valianni. “But with that said, we anticipate it will be a new opportunity for students to be served by students.”
He also noted that it is still about “making sure that our student body is still being served the best that we can make sure it can be served.”
Among restaurants that won’t be returning is Wycked Deli, which Hub Kitchen Manager Michael Buffett plans on turning into a barbecue option for students.
