Fredonia cares for, keeps quarantined students well-nourished during pandemic

More than 2,500 meals have been served to students at Fredonia who were placed in isolation or quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to the delivery service launched by the university’s Faculty Student Association (FSA).

“When we started the semester, our plan was to try to make students as comfortable as possible. When numbers were low, FSA was able to provide multiple options for dining, however, as numbers grew, we had to keep it simple to ensure that everyone received an adequate meal,” said FSA Executive Director Darin Schulz.

FSA Catering Manager Jeffrey Walter led a team of managers and union employees who prepared and delivered three meals a day, seven days each week, to students lodged in Hendrix Hall and nearby Park Place apartments.

“Overall, we were very pleased with how the students received our services, and the niceties we were able to offer when possible.” Mr. Schulz said. The number of students served ranged from as low as four to almost 40.

“We did more than most schools did as far as offering more services. A lot of our peers were just offering box lunches, rather than a warm/hot meal,” Schulz said.

It was Mr. Walter’s willingness – actually, his eagerness – to veer off Cranston Marche’s regular menu that drew such high marks from students and made him an obvious choice for President Stephen Kolison’s FREDhero of the week in October for delivering “a dose of caffeine and compassion.”

In a note to the president, a student applauded Walter for going beyond the quarantine menu to fetch coffee from Starbucks and Tim Hortons. Sure, it’s a small gesture, the student remarked, but it makes students feel better and so much less alone. Halloween and birthday cookies were other perks offered by Walter.

“He truly cares about the students here and considers us people even though we’ve never met face-to-face,” another student wrote to President Kolison. “I cannot stress enough how that little gesture goes such a long way in boosting morale. It’s clear that Jeff is very sympathetic for the students in Hendrix and we greatly appreciate it.”

“These students had many challenges this semester. Hopefully, a meal, a friendly ‘how are you doing’ and a little interaction helped ease the stress.” Jeff Walter

When numbers were low, FSA was able to select alternatives, such as grilled sandwiches, to Cranston Marche’s main entrée. A vegetable, salad and water are also on the menu. Vegan selections and special dietary options are also available upon request. Two deliveries are made each day: lunch and dinner, which includes continental breakfast items for the following day.

Students place online orders that Walter delivers during the week. Other staff, such as Cassandra Mazurek, manager of Willie C’s, shuttle weekend deliveries. Also on the FSA team are D.J. Wilson, Janine Miller, Jamie O’Brien, Felicia Nowak, Jason Domenico, Kim Fancher, Jeanette Guziec, Allison Kozlawski and Cindy Korzeniewski.

“The production and execution of student quarantine meals is a total team effort,” according to Walter. “Many people behind the scenes helped to make it happen seven days a week.”

When a student checks into quarantine, Walter introduces himself and gives the student his business card so he can be reached anytime, either by email or text. “Needless to say, it has been interesting on some of the requests needed… And it helps that I love what I do and interact with people. I love being part of this Fredonia family and making a difference,” Walter said.

For students not able to place their orders on time, Walter brings over food to make sure they are fed that night.

Care packages from students’ homes and Instacart grocery orders they place with local supermarkets that are delivered to the campus bookstore are also carried over to students by Walter, also a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

“It goes back to my training in the Navy. You do what you have to do to take care of student needs and wants,” said Walter. “As a Senior Chief, you always take care of your sailors and you are also available no matter what time of the day it is. When tasked, take ownership and do it to the best of your ability.”

Walter tries to provide a positive experience for students. “These students had many challenges this semester. Hopefully, a meal, a friendly ‘how are you doing’ and a little interaction helped ease the stress,” Walter said. “I had one student tell me that she looked forward to her meals every day.”