5 things: Pentagon foodservice company investigated for wage theft

Each Friday I compile a list that highlights five things you probably missed in the news that week and why you should care about them.

Here’s your list for the week of Aug. 27:

1. Pentagon foodservice company investigated

Seven Hills, the foodservice management company that runs the dining operation at the Pentagon, is being investigated by the Department of Labor for allegations of wage theft, according to The Guardian. Workers at the cafeteria, who currently make $9.57 an hour, have taken issue with pay dating back to 2014, when workers first when on strike. This isn’t the first issue Seven Hills has had with wage theft. In 2016, the company was ordered to pay 150 employees between $3,00o and $4,000 in back wages. Seven Hills said the current investigation dates back to an issue in 2016 and that the company is in compliance with applicable labor laws.

Read more: Pentagon cafeteria company investigated for wage theft

2. Detroit schools to use bottled water following lead reports

Another city in Michigan is having issues with lead in its water. Following reports of high levels of lead and copper, Detroit Public Schools Community District will be using bottled water instead of drinking fountains. The move affects 106 schools. Several other districts have had issues with elevated lead in water in the past years, including Flint, Mich., and Newark, N.J.

Read more: Detroit schools to use bottled water due to lead, copper concerns 

3. Most popular orders at college Starbucks locations

The large coffee chain has released the most popular orders on college campuses by region. Here are the results: Southeast, Starbucks Double Shot On Ice; Northeast, White Mocha Frappuccino, with an espresso shot; Midwest, Triple Grande Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte; Southwest, Ice Coconut Milk Latte; and everywhere, Espresso Frappuccino.

Read more: These Are The Most Popular Starbucks Orders On College Campuses

4. Japanese hospital using AI to analyze patient dining  
Many hospitals are looking into the way that food helps with patient recovery, but one hospital in Japan is taking it a step further by looking at what and how much a patient eats while in the hospital affects recovery. The hospital is using a camera mounted on the tray to keep track of the data. The goal is to use AI to determine the impact of food on patient recovery before the patient eats.

Read more: Hitachi to Use AI to Analyze Hospital Food Leftovers and Improve Patient Recovery

5. District rehires fired director
Months after firing her, Shaker Mountain School Union 70 said it is rehiring its foodservice director. Tammy Jervas was fired for unknown reasons but many in the district didn’t take the move well, with some parents and district members voicing their opinions at a recent school board event. The district said Jervas was rehired as a conditional appointment.

Read more: Richmond Consolidated School food chief rehired, with conditions

Bonus: Take a tour of UW’s super stylish new Center Table

Contact Becky Schilling at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter: @bschilling_FM