A move to consider fresh food alternatives to the current vending machine food service at Moorpark College is one step closer with the administration’s establishment of a new committee.

“There is no current plan to reopen the cafeteria which was closed by the Board of Trustees in March of 2012,” stated Vice President of Business Services Iris Ingram in an email.

Funding is still uncertain, as no General Fund money can subsidize food service operations, Ingram said. In addition, food service must be self-supporting, and any proposal would need approval by the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees, she said.

“No one on campus has the authority to decide on future food service operations,” Ingram said.

The early stages of exploring food service alternatives at Moorpark College comes two years after cafeterias were closed district-wide with other budget cuts in 2012. Prior to closing, the Moorpark College cafeteria offered a deli counter and hot grill, as well as snacks and drinks. After the cafeteria service was ended the existing vending machines were brought in as an alternative.

The formation of a committee is the first step in a process to possibly expand and improve food service on campus. However, Interim President Bernard Luskin said he could not provide a specific timeline on when any proposed changes might be implemented or when the committee will convene.

“It is an exploration in progress,” Luskin said. “We want to look at the best alternative with an open mind. The important thing is to get everyone’s input and figure out what we want to do, and how we want to do it.”

The committee is out and provides a wide variety of names that represent Moorpark. It will be chaired by Ingram and will include college Business Manager Darlene Melby, Director of FM&O; John Sinutko, and the Deans Council representative Inajane Nicklas, just to name a few.

The Associate Students President Farshid Orak and two students appointed through ASB by Sharon Miller will also be part of the council.

Luskin said that he considers campus food service to be an added dimension of student life, and so student involvement will be paramount in the discussions within the committee

The Associated Students set up opinion boxes in the food court to further capture student opinion. The current top results, as provided by the Associated Students, are: sandwiches from Subway, pizza, vegetables and fruit options.

Through it all Luskin maintains enthusiasm for a change. “Bring back food services to Moorpark,” he cheered with his fist in the air.