Bwogger Elle Ferguson breaks down the changes that Hewitt has undergone. 

As most Barnard students (and those on the Kosher diet, and a few cool Columbia kids) know the Hewitt dining hall on Barnard’s campus has gone through some major changes. After protests from students last year to end the contract with Aramark, a food provider that also serviced private prisons, Barnard switched to a food servicer called Chartwell. Last semester you probably saw them around campus trying to appear like the cool mom on campus. They tabled around the entrance, they asked what food we wanted in Hewitt, and I’m pretty sure they gave out tote bags.

This semester Hewitt got a whole new makeover and I’m conflicted on whether it’s overall positive or negative. Here’s me trying to organize my thoughts.

Pros

  • The seats! She looks like Bobby Brown came in
  • Food is overall better
  • More options in the entree section
  • Coffee machine is living in 3019
  • Plates are no longer ceramic, do not shatter on the ground every 3 seconds
  • Mugs are bigger = larger volume = more coffee

Cons

  • Seating is also a con because there are issues with disability accessibility
  • BUT THERE’S NO PECAN PIE
  • What are the portion sizes why so smol
  • Hewitt pasta is also gone she will be missed
  • The caloric count of everything written in plain sight could be triggering for people with an eating disorder
  • Why is there no normal soda. I want Coke thank you
  • WHEN THEY RUN OUT OF FROSTED FLAKES THEY JUST PUT IN  NORMAL CORN FLAKES AND POWDERED SUGAR WTFFFF

Ok so — I really like the new seating in Hewitt. The chairs are comfier, it’s easier to sit next to your friends, it just feels like there’s more space! However, a friend brought it to my attention that disability accessibility could be a problem since some of the chairs are very tall and it’s hard to scooch yourself into the really long tables.

The food — we love that Hewitt serves Salmon every now and then. Also, the variety of entrees is gorgeous. BUT I am really missing my best friend from last year, Hewitt pecan pie. I would make it through the day last semester if I didn’t have a slice of her goodness and now I’m really struggling.

The new drink machines are also pulling me in different directions The coffee machine is fabulous, but the soda machine is doing all sorts of weird shit. Instead of the classic soda options like Sprite and Coke, there are all these “healthier” options. As Simon Cowell would say, “it’s a no for me.”

These are my basic thoughts about the changes in Hewitt. There have definitely been some good upgrades, but also some not-so-great changes. Still, I love Hewitt, she’s always there for me right on campus and she’s a reliable friend. She’s never surprising, or disappointing. You always know what you can expect from her. Love you Hew, now get your pecan pie back plzzzzz ;)

hewitt via Eva Sher