Air Force Food Transformation Initiative provides new menus, high quality

  • Published
  • By Luke Waack
  • JBER PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative has already delivered new and improved menus to the Iditarod Dining Facility, the Kashim Club, the Arctic Oasis and the Eagleglen Golf Course on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and more changes are soon to come, according to officials.

The transformation has put menu-planning in the hands of ARAMARK Inc., a private contractor which has introduced a bistro-like atmosphere to the Iditarod, which seats 300 and is open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders.

"ARAMARK has brought to JBER a best-value contract ... menus that offer great tasting food with potential for growth, healthy eating solutions and contract savings creating a positive dining experience," said Air Force Capt. Christina Harris, 673d Force Support Squadron, Sustainment Services Flight commander.

ARAMARK has plans to continue reshaping JBER-Elmendorf dining.

"Campus-style marketplace dining is on the horizon," Harris said. "In addition, there are plans to have dedicated cooking light stations in the DFAC (Iditarod Dining Facility) as well as eventually in the snack bar operations.

The enhanced Grab-n-go Provisions on Demand (POD) location and flight line feeding design should be finalized within the next few months and operations should be up and running soon."

The 673d Force Support Squadron has received positive feedback about the updates.
"Overall guests are satisfied with the quality of the food at the facilities," Harris said.

"Diners enjoy the healthy choice menu items at the Paradise Café and the new hot entrée menus offered at the Iditarod Dining Facility.

Also the extended serving hours at the locations are popular amongst customers. The fresh seasonal salad ingredients and fruit offered and sold at a reasonable price are also popular."

This initiative demonstrates the 673d Force Support Squadron's commitment to troops, and the JBER community, Harris said.

"Food Transformation is customized to the needs of the installation needs," Harris said.

"ARAMARK is very receptive to the feedback from customers. In addition, base residents have greater options for feeding with the inception of FTI.

Specifically for our Airmen and Soldiers, it will give them the opportunity to choose from several locations to eat that may be in more convenient locations to their workstation."

If customers have comments or compliments they would like to give concerning the changes in food service, they can use comment cards found at each eatery or they can use the Interactive Customer Evaluation link near the bottom of the JBER homepage, www.jber.af.mil.

ARAMARK is also taking charge with catering operations and all reservations for the 6-mile chalet and Kashim ballroom, Harris said.

For the ARAMARK office, reservations or catering, customers can call 222-0394.

"Food Transformation is customized to the installations needs," Harris said. "Guest satisfaction is important and our hope is to provide a great service to the JBER community."