By Morgan Wissinger, WissingerM@Findlay.edu
The University of Findlay has introduced several updates to their dining services, including the removal of Kiwibots, the addition of new Derrick Dollar options, a transition from Coke to Pepsi products, and an announced adjustment to meal plan prices for the upcoming academic year.
The Kiwibot food delivery service, which was introduced as a convenient option for students, is no longer available on campus.
“The lifestyle of students on campus is always changing and the demand for on-campus delivery has decreased since initially partnering with Kiwibot,” Dining Services Marketing Coordinator Riley Hale. “We’ve since shifted our focus to increasing the quality of the mobile ordering and pickup options on campus.”
Efforts are now being directed toward improving existing dining services, particularly the mobile ordering and pickup system, to better align with current campus needs.
Two new restaurants were added to the Derrick Dollar program this semester — Reading Grounds and Call of the Canyon Café. This expansion broadens the variety of dining options available to students who use the program.
“We’re excited to welcome both Reading Grounds and Call of the Canyon Café into the Derrick Dollar program this semester,” Hale said.
These additions aim to provide more diverse food and beverage options for students to enhance their dining experiences. Reading Grounds is a combination bookstore and coffee shop that offers diverse flavors for hot and cold drinks, as well as a book donation program. Call of the Canyon Cafe offers a vast menu of comfort foods such as salads, wraps, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, macaroni and cheese, soups, sandwiches, and more.
Another notable change on campus this semester is the transition from Coke to Pepsi products.
“The University was previously under contract with Coke to provide beverage options for on-campus dining locations, vending machines and concessions at athletic events. Recently, that contract expired, and the University entered into discussions with several companies to find the best and most comprehensive option for beverage service on campus,” Associate Vice President of Student Life John Ferraro said. “Through that lengthy process, Pepsi emerged as the strongest vendor for our campus. Our campus partners in Sodexo were included in those conversations and have been an amazing teammate throughout this process.”
UF has also announced that meal plan prices will increase starting in the Fall 2025 semester. Price increases start at $70 and grow to as large as $150. According to information provided on the University of Findlay website, the adjustment reflects efforts to maintain the quality of dining services while addressing inflationary pressures. Further details about the updated meal plan pricing can be found here.
These adjustments represent the University of Findlay’s attempts to accommodate changing student needs and improve the campus dining experience.