Spring Break
New interim director says Dining Services 'going green'
Greg Gentile
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: News
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He is replacing Kathleen Gianquitti, who served as the director for 23 years. She stepped down in September.
"I don't feel pressure," Mello said. She was an excellent mentor, and we worked closely over the years," Mello said.
The Johnson and Wales University alumnus combined his love of food and science, graduating with an associate's degree in diet technology.
In 1985 Mello graduated the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree with high distinction in food science and nutrition.
His expertise is crucial in the management of Dining Services, which undergoes constant changes to keep up with the tastes of the students.
"The department is very dynamic and pretty adaptable," Mello said.
To keep up with the changing times Mello is hoping to follow in Gianquitti's footsteps and move the university into "going green."
"Part of our future goals is going green, and we have already started in some areas," Mello said.
Dining Services has taken the trays away this year in a hope to conserve water, and also cut back on its usage of paper products.
The Dining Services staff also has been pondering different strategies on minimizing food waste.
Mello joked, saying, "Ten years ago, reusing food was called meatloaf." He added, though, that there would be no meatloaf surprises on the menu anytime in the future.
Mello said he is open to student suggestions, and is hoping to incorporate more of these in the future.
"We have had students ask for a to-go option, and more nutritious food, both of which we are looking into," he said, and added he wished more students would participate in surveys.
Mello, who in his previous position dealt with many personnel, sang their praises with the rapport they carry in the dining halls with the students. He said he believes it is important for the food staff and the students to have that type of relationship.
"Employees do develop a relationship more then just food service with the students," he said.
Within a year, according to Mello, the position of Director of Dining Services will officially be open for hire and he is hoping to apply for it.
And as for some of the urban myths on campus about the dining halls, Mello assured students at least one - a fabrication of laxatives in the food - is not true
"We do not add anything extra to our food," Mello said.
