<p>When I was at DePaul in the late 1970’s, they initiated a “pay as you go” food system. We bought “tickets” each worth either 15 or 25 cents. I think we could buy them in $50 increments. There was almost no waste with this system, because it felt like we were “paying” directly for the food we bought (which of course, we were). It wasn’t the tray or no-tray that reduced waste, it was the direct-pay which reduced it. </p>
<p>Instead of the $4500 meal plan, bring back a more direct pay system and you will see food waste diminish substantially. Besides, trays are fun.</p>