This student-centered food service program will emphasize quality, made-to-order food, menu customization, variety, value, culinary and nutritional education, and forward-thinking innovations.
Dining program updates will begin with College Creek Market and The J, eateries which are open for the Spring, with continued enhancements planned for the remaining locations in Fall 2021 including all new meal plan options with enhanced value for students, commuters, faculty, and staff.
College Creek Marketplace
College Creek Marketplace will feature an expanded selection of ready-made grab-and-go items including grain salads, fresh-cut fruit, and entrees by the pound. A new rotating menu of global and regional fare will include vegan and vegetarian options featuring chef favorites such as white bean and kale stew, vegan vegetable fried rice, whole wheat penne with pesto, and flavorful vegetable sides including spicy green beans and balsamic roasted brussels sprouts. Students can also enjoy a greater variety of pizza by the slice and pasta specials coming soon, with vegan or vegetarian options for each.
For the home cook, the Marketplace will expand the selection of fresh produce and kitchenware to make it easy for students to prepare meals in their residence halls or apartments.
The J
The J will feature Rooted, a new dedicated vegan and vegetarian station featuring freshly prepared, flavorful international dishes that incorporate produce from local farms and hearty grains.
The menu has been expanded to include a rotating variety of agua frescas and carved-to-order selections, including chef favorites like cherry wood smoked and roasted sweet potato steaks and Santa Maria tri-tip.
Students can also look forward to more engaging culinary activities with The Teaching Kitchen, which will provide students the opportunity to explore food, culinary, and nutritional literacy. In the chef-led demonstrations, students can get kitchen tips and tricks as they learn how to make a new favorite recipe with fresh, accessible ingredients.
J Grill
At the J Grill, students will be able to vote on upcoming menu items and delicious pop-up concepts including, but not limited to:
Mac ‘n Cheese-ology – Build-your-own mac ‘n cheese, with vegan and gluten-free options
Disco Fry – Customizable, deliciously topped fries
Tu Taco – Build-your-own tacos, burritos, and bowls
Pom & Honey – customizable and craveable salads, grain bowls, and wraps
HSU’s Commitment to Sustainability
Responsible sourcing and sustainability remain an integral part of the dining program. Chartwells will continue many of HSU’s sustainable programs including the OZZI reusable container program, use of green dining ware, composting, and use of energy-efficient appliances. Also, Chartwells will implement Waste Not, a plan to track food trimmings, food loss, and over-production to better manage and reduce waste and its effect on the environment.
A driving element of the sustainability commitment is local sourcing. Chartwells is working in conjunction with Humboldt State to bring in and maintain many of the existing partnerships with local bakeries, farms, coffee roasters, restaurants, and other vendors in the surrounding area. Chartwells’ sourcing practices and initiatives include the commitment to animal welfare, reducing food waste, incorporating more plant-forward meals, sourcing fair trade products, and reducing single-use plastics.
Formerly operated by the University Center (UC), HSU Dining Services will now be maintained and managed by HSU. The move is part of a broader transition of UC services to enhance the student dining experience. Read more about the UC transition.
Following a comprehensive review of its food service strategy, HSU chose Chartwells as the University’s new dining service provider beginning on January 9. Chartwells has offered positions to all management staff and support staff, including all student employees. Orientation and training for student employees will take place beginning the week of February 15 as they return to campus.The Dining team will gather feedback from students, faculty, and staff to guide the evolution of HSU’s dining program.
About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract foodservice management, hospitality and award-winning guest service within 280 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the U.S. Chartwells’ brand mantra, “Where Hungry Minds Gather,” signifies its commitment to reinventing the dining experience for the next generation of students and beyond. Their nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles, and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future. For more information, visit ChartwellsHigherEd.com.