1. Abstract: Overview: Method: Results:
The Lack of Meat at Colby and the Barbecue Solution
Tommaso Montagni
Abstract:
One of Colby Colleges dining services most criticized aspects is its lack of meat. It’s a problem that has crossed most students minds. The idea of having a steak and sausage barbecue in the warm spring sun is what many Colby students would dream of. I am proposing to set up a permanent tent near Johnson Pond and have barbecues Monday though Thursday, each day dedicated to a different class. Finding the student demand as well as the costs is the first step. The main obstacle is what the tent will be used for in the winter when it’s too cold to be outside. But, disregarding the challenges, this project is feasible and quite cheap. With the willingness of Colby College to cooperate with me, though, the project could be fully running before November 2014 and would be a great step forward to ensure better food for the hundreds of Colby students who desire it.
Overview:
The first year cost of only $5 per person, knowing that they will decrease by about 40% the following year and beyond makes the barbecue an extremely feasible solution to the meat problem which is apparent in 76% of students at Colby College. The remaining 24% of students can still though benefit greatly. The barbecue solution does not only include meat, but will also provide vegetarians and vegans with fresh grilled vegetables. This allows the barbecue solution to be a benefit to everyone here at Colby. If this were the case then the average cost per person per day would be of only $3. Not only would students be highly pleased to know that they can be guaranteed to have a place to eat outside at least once a week but they would also be excited to here that this would mean a huge increase in class dinners which are a great way to interact with fellow class mates, make new friends and avoid the so called frustration of having other classes around you, usually a problem most common with seniors who may want a break from the younger classes.
Method:
Collect data to find out exactly how many people at Colby College would benefit from the barbecue solution.
Find out what supplies are necessary in order to implement the project and talk to PPD to evaluate certain possible locations where the barbecue tent can be placed.
Evaluate the costs of these various supplies.
Propose the project to Campus Life, Sodexo and the president.
Further evaluate expenses so as to minimize costs, if the school can provide connections or they may already have certain equipment.
Propose to the board of the school at their next meeting and get the project approved.
Officially implement the barbecue solution and eliminate the problem of the lack of fresh meat at Colby College.
Results:
People who think it’s a problem and believe that there should be a solution
1050
People who know there is a problem
1380
Average amount of times someone will use the barbecue in the spring 12
Cost per person for first year of project $5
Cost per person for second year and beyond
$3.10
Project Detail
Cost (US dollars)
2000 square feet of permanent tent
4,600
Tables and Chairs
3,500
Staff (for 4 months during the warm weather)
43,000
Grill, Accessories and 3 months (4 days a week) supply of meat
13 000
Tractor (rent for 1 week with worker)
2,500
Total:
66,600