The end draws nigh: losing Sunday meals in the Galley

• Ryan Kunz / scroll staff
• posted: 01 Apr. 2008
• scrollcampus@byui.edu

For some students and faculty, Sunday dinner is about to change.

BYU-Idaho administration has decided that, beginning at the end of Winter Semester 2008, University Food Services will no longer open on Sundays. This change will particularly affect students who live in non-cooking dorms.

“University Food Services is aware that some may feel inconvenienced due to the unavailability of Sunday dining on campus and will ensure that replacement meal options will be available for purchase during the week for those who live in on-campus non-cooking dorms that only have microwaves or limited cooking facilities,” a daily update e-mail announcement read on March 26.

The Galley has been open on Sundays to serve ecclesiastical leaders and those students whose residences have no way to cook meals.

“The main reason [for closing on Sundays] is to stop full-time students from having to work on the Sabbath.” said Greg Carson, director of Food Services. “If we could make it possible to not work on the Sabbath, I want it to happen.”

Carson encouraged students in the on-campus dorms to stock up on food during the week for use on Sundays. He also mentioned that Home Evening groups, family and other support

groups will continue to take care of those without cooking facilities.

University Food Services has moved from meal plans, which were mandatory for on-campus dorm residents, to a “Dining Dollars” program, which is designed to give students greater flexibility.

Students who use their Dining Dollars can receive up to a 20 percent bonus as they purchase food, depending on the initial amount of purchase. Dining Dollars may be purchased by anyone holding a valid I-Card.

“For the most part, [the change] has been received well. Both the full-time and student employees are very excited about being able to attend their church services and be with their families,” Carson said.