MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The H&SBn. Messhall is one of six Marine Corps messhalls participating in an experimental 21-day menu designed to offer a wide variety of healthy alternatives to Marines and sailors.
The menu, which was implemented Aug. 1, is a direct result of a survey that was sent out earlier this year by Sodexho, the food service provider that replaced Marine cooks on Oct. 1, 2002.
The survey asked 6,000 Marines what they liked and didn't like about the current menu.
Those who responded were clear on what they wanted.
"There was a huge outcry for healthier options," said Ted Majchrzak, Sodexho's Area Executive Chef for the Southeast Region, who is assisting H&SBn. Messhall personnel during the initial week of the experimental cycle. "Marines can now get a grilled chicken sandwich with a fruit cup instead of a cheeseburger and french fries for lunch. We tried to tailor the new menus to what the Marines said they wanted."
Sodexho will use the next six weeks, or two 21-day cycles, to further examine what the Marines want to see and eat in their messhalls.
Once this period has ended, Sodexho and the Marine Corps will evaluate the new menu and make any changes to food variety, production or seasoning that are necessary.
Some of the new food items include Fresheta Pizza, grilled chicken ceasar salad and grilled chicken sandwiches, but Hugh Hall, H&SBn. Messhall manager, said that the changes have been more about options than about content.
"The menu itself is not undergoing a real big change," said Hall. "We've just highlighted a lot of things and moved some things around. Eighty percent of the menu will remain the same, but there will be a huge difference in the variety of food that will be offered with each meal."
With each meal's passing, Hall believes that the Marines will appreciate the new menu's subtle changes, and the relationship between the Marines and their messhall personnel will continue to grow overtime.
"The transition has had its bumps in the road," said Hall, "but as we progress, we grow. The Marine Corps grows, and we grow on each other. Sodexho is a professional company, and all we want is to provide the best for the Marines."