A thorough explanation of all changes made to Columbia’s dining halls between the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.

Welcome back to campus! Like many, you may have been surprised and confused to learn that Columbia Dining has had so many updates since last year. Here is a brief explanation of and investigation into what is up with the dining halls for 2024-2025. Read the full report on the Columbia Dining website. 

As an organization, Columbia Dining has taken on the NYC Mayor Office’s “Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge.” As the name suggests, this initiative is working to lower carbon emissions through adoption of more plant-based items in food service. In a Fall 2023 project partnered with the Climate School, Columbia Dining found that for John Jay Dining Hall, “red meat comprises just 13.4% of purchased products but accounts for 72% of Columbia Dining’s total carbon footprint”. You can read more about this initiative here. 

John Jay Dining Hall

As outlined above, students can expect to see more plant based options! This is seen in the main line, but most importantly in the dessert section. Vegan desserts are now available every day. I tried the new vegan chocolate chip cookies, which get a 10/10 from me. 

Ferris Booth Dining Hall

As you may have been surprised to see, Ferris got a facelift. They removed that wall in the middle to open up the servery more. There are also now more chairs and better options for sitting by yourself or with a group. I fear that there have still been overwhelming lines every time I have been to Ferris this year, unless it’s 3 pm.

Grace Dodge Dining Hall

Tragedy has struck Grace Dodge. My former favorite dining hall is now a shell of its former self. Allegedly focusing on “fan favorites,” Columbia Dining has stripped the hall of many options. Their famously great salad bar is still present, but everything else has been replaced with ramen. Every. Day. I used to love their vegan line more than anywhere else’s. Their pizza was the best on campus. The ramen is just fine. I wouldn’t go out of my way like I used to with Grace Dodge. The broth and veggie options were yummy. My friend said the meat was good. However, the noodles were kind of soggy without any bite to them. We will see how long this lasts. 

The Fac Shac

As you may have noticed, the Fac Shac has moved to be next to John Jay. It still has the same usual Indian food during the day, but now serves burritos at night (Thursday through Saturday, 7 to 11 pm). I have yet to try these, but some initial accounts seem promising. The Fac Shac is still relatively new, having only opened up last year. 

Faculty House

All the Fac House lovers have been hit with tragic news this week. Instead of being open for lunch everyday for the week, Fac House will now only be open to students Monday through Wednesday. Why? The world shall never know. 

Chef Don’s Pizza Pi

You will now be able to customize your own personal pizza at Chef Don’s! However, this is where things get weird. There is now a milkshake machine? Yeah, why not. 

Chef Mike’s Sub Shop

No more soup. No more lentil stew. No more tomato bisque. No more tortilla soup. It’s all gone. I feel betrayed by the Chef… it’s just not the same. 

JJs

More halal options! All the burgers served are now halal. 

Blue Java

In another win for vegans, oat milk is now the default in all espresso beverages. Don’t worry, they still have soy, dairy, almond, and skim. 

How do you feel about all of these changes? I think that I cannot be bribed with a Chef Don’s milkshake. I want my Chef Mike’s Lentil Soup and my Grace Dodge Pizza. Share your thoughts in the comments or in some feedback to Columbia Dining themselves. To see some of these updates check out their Instagram page. 

New Ferris Booth via Columbia Dining