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Academy to launch dining card system, expand options for cadets

Story by Jennifer Spradlin, Dec. 18, 2019

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Air Force Academy will roll out a pilot program expanding cadet dining options early next year.

The Cadet Select campus dining card program will adopt best practices from other leading universities while giving cadets access to healthy dining options outside Mitchell Hall.

“We listened to cadet feedback and responded to their call for greater flexibility and more dining options – especially for those cadets who have not yet earned driving privileges,” said Beth Claude, 10th Force Support Squadron innovation and integration director.

Each month funds from existing entitlements will be loaded onto a dining card for cadet use at campus venues that align with dietary guidelines established in the Defense Department’s Go For Green program, which reflects the Academy’s ongoing commitment to the Smart Fueling Initiative it launched earlier this year.

Under the Smart Fueling Initiative, the Academy has made more healthy foods available for quick pick-up outside regular meal times and started labeling its healthy options with an easy-to-spot green checkmark on the menu.

“Ensuring our cadets are getting the most nutritional meals possible is extremely important to help them reach their full potential academically, athletically and militarily,” said Brig. Gen. Michele Edmondson, commandant of cadets.

Edmondson credited Col. Brian Hartless, 10th Air Base Wing commander, and his team for their diligent work with AAFES to bring the opportunity to the cadets.

Two hundred and forty cadets will participate in the pilot program, which launches Jan. 6.