SALINA — Kansas State University Salina’s cafeteria is no longer serving up trays. The new trayless dining program is expected to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and promote environmental stewardship.

“Studies have shown that trayless dining programs reduce food waste by 25 to 30 percent per person,” said Levi Esses, assistant director of student life. “Reducing that waste saves on food expense which keeps meal plan costs lower for our students.”
The trayless dining program also helps conserve natural resources such as the water and the energy it takes to heat the one-third to one-half gallon of water used per tray, reduces the amount of chemicals introduced into the water table.

“The trayless dining initiative also allows the foodservice workforce to maximize their time on other tasks,” Esses said.

One of those tasks is preparing for the Lunch Buffet Special. While the public is welcome to eat at the cafeteria for any meal, the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is offered at a reduced cost of $4.75 on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.