The university dining halls in Mainz, Germany are facing a significant logistical challenge: disappearing dishware. Over the past four weeks, approximately 450 of 500 purchased cake plates have gone missing. The situation is similar with french fry containers, with only around 100 of the original 1590 remaining in use after a year. This shortage has, at times, prevented the sale of french fries.
The Scale of the Problem
The issue extends beyond plates and fry containers. The dining hall “Bambus,” located near the central library, has been particularly affected, requiring the Studierendenwerk Mainz to purchase around 9,000 forks in the last year alone. Alexandra Diestel-Feddersen, the Managing Director of the Studierendenwerk, stated that the continuous replacement of lost items is creating a substantial financial burden.
While the Studierendenwerk hopes to avoid it, rising costs could eventually lead to increased meal prices. Currently, the organization believes much of the missing dishware remains on campus, located in offices and break rooms. They also suspect many student shared apartments now include items taken from the dining halls.
Seeking Solutions
The Studierendenwerk has already begun a campaign to encourage the return of the missing items, with approximately 50 cake plates and 10-15 fry containers already returned to “Bambus.” A “Meet the Gastro” crisis meeting with students this week resulted in plans for a bi-annual “Dish Return Day,” encouraging students and staff to return borrowed items.
Recognizing that incoming students often take dishware to equip their kitchens, the Studierendenwerk is also considering offering affordable “Freshman Starter Packs” containing basic dish sets for student housing. However, the organization is primarily relying on the responsibility of students and staff to leave the dishware in the dining halls, suggesting the use of reusable containers or the Studierendenwerk’s deposit-based options for those wishing to eat off-site.
Diestel-Feddersen noted that dishware loss is a problem at other universities, but the issue has become particularly acute in Mainz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are currently missing from the Mainz university dining halls?
Approximately 450 of 500 cake plates and around 1490 of 1590 french fry containers are currently missing, along with approximately 9,000 forks purchased in the last year for the “Bambus” dining hall.
What is the Studierendenwerk doing to address the problem?
The Studierendenwerk is requesting the return of missing items, planning a bi-annual “Dish Return Day,” and considering offering affordable “Freshman Starter Packs” for new students.
Could meal prices increase as a result of the missing dishware?
The Studierendenwerk states that it is not excluding the possibility of increased meal prices in the future due to the financial burden of replacing the lost items, but they are currently attempting to prevent this.
What steps can universities take to foster a greater sense of responsibility regarding shared resources among their student populations?
