The novel coronavirus has changed the way that people from all over the world have to carry out their daily activities. From shopping malls to amusement parks, it seems like every public establishment now has new rules and regulations that must be followed by the people who want to go to these places. And colleges will be no different this year.
Like any other establishment, colleges want to ensure that everyone in attendance is able to stay safe and healthy. This means that many institutions will be adopting the same rules other public places have, including requiring students and staff to wear face masks and encouraging social distancing. While some of these challenges may be easy to overcome, one of the major obstacles that colleges and universities are struggling with this year is how to provide a safe dining experience for the students and staff.
The College Dining Experience May Look Very Different This Year
In the past, hundreds of college students had flocked to the dining halls to interact with their friends and eat a wide range of food that was offered on the buffet. This year, the dining halls will look very different. Students who want to eat inside of the dining hall will have to try to find a spot to eat at that is at least six feet away from another student, and they probably won't have time to be too sociable because the spot that they are sitting at will need to be properly disinfected and cleaned so that another student can come and sit down to eat his or her meal.
This means that having a wide range of to-go foods that are readily available to the students is a necessity. In most situations, self-serve buffets are going to be out of the question for many colleges and universities. Not only are buffets a potential breeding ground for germs, including the coronavirus, but having pre-made meals ready to go will allow students who are dining in to clean up after themselves quickly, and also provide an easy way for other students to carry their food and eat in a less populated area.
Food Service Solutions That Fit the "New Norm"
In order to provide a safe way for students to eat during the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges and universities are choosing to offer only pre-made and packaged meals and offering them in self-serve specialty display cases. There is a wide range of food displays available that will help preserve a wide range of options.
For example, the Dairy Air-Screen Display is a large, refrigerated display that comes equipped with an electronic temperature control and an on-demand defrost system. This display also comes with an energy-saving night curtain to help the interior maintain its temperature without using excessive amounts of electricity.
For schools that are looking for a safe way to serve hot food, the Hot Self Serve Display is a great solution. This display features adjustable, heated shelves, tempered glass end inserts, and easy front access. And, if your school needs a convenient foodservice solution but doesn't have a lot of extra space, there are several hybrid displays available that are able to serve both hot and refrigerated foods at the same time.
Get the Right Food Service Solution for Your College
When it comes to providing a safe and convenient meal option for colleges, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every college and university has different needs and will require specific accommodations to fit their school. If you would like to learn about how to make the dining hall in your school a safer place during this unprecedented time, get your free merchandiser equipment assessment today, and find out which foodservice solution is right for your school.