Food transformation initiative to provide more dining options

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23rd Force Support Squadron recently took part in an Air Force-sponsored food transformation study which may lead to more dining choices for all Team Moody members.

Initially, the Georgia Pines Dining Facility will begin with a set-up which will provide a larger food variety. As part of the study, five focus groups were conducted to determine the needs and wants of the Moody community.

"Our goal is to provide more options that satisfy the needs of our customers," said Adrienne Wilkerson, 23rd FSS marketing director. "Focus groups were a great way to figure out where people are eating and what they would like to see in the future."

The targeted implementation for current meal card holders is October. It will begin as a phased plan to allow all personnel with access to the base the opportunity to enjoy meals at the DFAC.

Under this plan, Moody will partner with the Air Force and a contracted vendor to operate the facility and implement new menus, design layout and possibly expanded hours of operation to meet members' needs.

Another option being studied is a "campus-style dining" initiative that would allow meal card holders to eat at other food facilities within the 23rd FSS such as the Bowling Center, Quiet Pines Golf Course, Moody Field Club, Freedom I Fitness Nutrition Center and the Community Center (currently under construction).

"Currently, dorm residents only have the option of using their meal card at the Georgia Pines Dining Facility," said Ms. Wilkerson. "Campus-style dining would provide them with more choices and help to accommodate work schedules and individual preferences."

One dorm resident states having campus-style dining would be a great addition to living on Moody.

"Having only one place to eat really limits the variety of what we can eat each day," said Airman 1st Class Paul Ofori-Asenso, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron travel management office technician. "I eat at other places on base pretty often, so having it deducted as an actual meal cost would save Airmen lots of money."

Although all results from the focus group have not been analyzed, one topic was very popular.

"The most common feedback we received was that people are interested in seeing more nutritious options," said Ms. Wilkerson. "The research company conducted these focus groups with the purpose of finding out what people want so we can cater to their needs."

This initiative has been identified as a high-priority item to better serve the Air Force community and improve Airmen's quality of life.