House Food Fails in HUC Survey

Harvard mothers don't need to worry about being replaced by Harvard Food Services in the stomachs and hearts of House residents. A poll conducted by the Harvard Undergraduate Council found that only 3 per cent of the students responding felt that House food was excellent, while more than one-third thought it poor.

The poll also found that a large majority of students are discontented with the present system of meal contracts.

Of the 1900 students responding to the poll, 800 judged the food "fair," and only 425 thought it was "good." Nearly 60 per cent felt that there should be more choices offered at each meal.

Most students favored either meal contracts for fewer than 21 meals per week or the total abolition of meal contracts and the institution of a pay-as-you-go system.

The report of the HUC food committee makes no specific suggestions. John T. McLoughlin '70, one of the HUC members who conducted the poll, said, "The Food Services is such a huge operation that it's really difficult to pinpoint specific things people are disturbed about."

According to the HUC report, typical comments on the food included, "I don't like the meat, it's too spicy", "I don't like the meat, it's not spicy enough," and "I like the meat."

Although many students don't like the food, the committee reported that few ever complain to dining hall supervisors. McLoughlin said that students were generally apathetic, and added, "There isn't a real mandate to throw out the food services."

A minor rebellion seemed to be rising in Quincy house last week, but a threatened boycott of the dining hall was called off.