Multnomah's food services has made great strides this semester in improving the quality and variety of cafeteria food.

The cafeteria is providing a greater selection of foods to students. In the past, the cafeteria has offered two regular specialty bars: stir-fry and waffles. This semester, the cafeteria has provided a greater number of specialty items, which they offer alternately. These items include fajita, bread, baked potatoes and pita sandwiches.

The cafeteria is also serving fresh "New York style" bagels at every meal this semester. They alternately serve plain, onion, whole wheat, cinnamon raisin and blueberry bagels with a variety of tasty cream cheese spreads. According to food-services director Larry Hammer, the bagels are highly popular with students (who empty several large canisters at every meal). In addition to the bagels, they also serve fresh-baked bread at dinner several times each week.

Food services has also improved the cafeteria's atmosphere this semester. The staff displays the food attractively and has added several props, including colorful banners and decorative food displays to enhance the student's dining experience.

The cafeteria workers, who are always friendly and enthusiastic, create a cheerful atmosphere in which students can relax and enjoy their meals.

During lunch this semester, students can create their own deli sandwiches by selecting a combination of breads, meats, cheeses and condiments. Food services also installed an electric griddle so students can prepare grilled cheese and other hot sandwiches.

Hammer said that they are always looking for ways to improve the cafeteria's quality and atmosphere. He said the staff gleans ideas from other colleges, food services and their catalogues. He admitted that he discovered the bagel idea while visiting George Fox University. "We're capturing some ideas that are nifty," he said.

Hammer said the cafeteria will continue to "upgrade" to meet students' needs. He said the staff's goal is to nurture students by making their dining experience as pleasant as possible.

The staff takes its job seriously and seeks to make a real contribution in students' lives, he said.

"We're not here to impress people; we're here to make kids happy," Hammer said.

Multnomah's food service deserves our appreciation for its hard work and contribution to campus life. "When I hear 'Wow,' I think that's pretty neat," Hammer said. "That's what it's all about."

Next time you dine in the cafeteria, take time to thank the food-service staff by filling out a comment card or by just saying "Wow."