5 things: Non-profits allegedly involved in $250M child food program fraud scheme face shutdowns

In this edition of 5 Things, Food Management highlights five things you may have missed recently about developments affecting onsite dining.

Here’s your list for today:

 1.    Non-profits allegedly involved in $250M child food program fraud scheme face shutdowns

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office is seeking to shut down 23 nonprofits accused of defrauding federal meals programs, most of which are related to the massive Feeding Our Future investigation. Last fall, federal prosecutors announced the first indictments in the Feeding Our Future investigation, alleging a more than $250 million fraud scheme and since then, 60 people have been charged, accused of stealing federal money meant to feed children in need while distributing little or no meals and spending the money on lavish homes, cars and trips.

Read more: Minnesota seeks to shut down nonprofits accused of defrauding federal meals program

 2.    Study uncovers dirty secret of college cafeteria tables

A nightmarish new report reveals that the tables in your average college cafeteria harbor 60,000 times the bacteria of a typical household toilet seat. Researchers at College Rover sought to identify the germiest places on multiple campuses by swabbing various areas including bathrooms, common areas in dorms and keyboards in computer labs, then tested the swabs to determine the types and numbers of germs. “College campuses are a breeding ground for bacteria,” Bill Townsend, Founder and CEO of College Rover told The Post. “It’s the first time thousands of people live alone, without anyone cleaning up after them. Without any constant hygienic habits, germs can build up quickly.”

Related:5 tech things: DoorDash study finds consumers buying consumables online more than ever

Read more: College cafeteria tables harbor 60,000 times more bacteria than a typical toilet seat: study

 3.    Aramark launches dining platform for college athletes

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has launched a performance-based dining platform designed to help student athletes excel on and off the field. Created with Division II and III athletes in mind, Eat to Excel provides an educational, menu and nutrition tracking solution on campuses that do not have dedicated training tables for student athletes.

Read more: Fueling Student Athletes for Peak Performance Takes Precise Nutrition: Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Launches Eat to Excel™ Dining Platform Designed Specifically for Athletes

 4.    ISS Guckenheimer names new COO

FM Top 50 firm ISS Guckenheimer has announced the appointment Anne Moser as COO with responsibility for overseeing operational performance, driving innovation, and contributing to the company's continued growth. Moser previously oversaw ISS North America’s office segment, comprised of clients operating within banking, technology, and professional services industries. She also held the role of Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing ISS Guckenheimer’s West Region.

Related:5 things: Army delays dining facility upgrades, looks to expand commissaries instead

Read more: ISS Guckenheimer Appoints Anne Moser as Chief Operating Officer

 5.    Hepburn-James named head of residential dining at Yale

Yale Hospitality has announced the appointment of Stacey Hepburn-James as Senior Director of Residential Operations after serving in an interim capacity in the position responsible for leading the strategic oversight and successful operations within Yale Hospitality’s 14 residential college dining halls. Hepburn-James began her tenure at Yale as director of Hospitality Operations at Yale Schwarzman Center in 2019, then served as director of strategic initiatives & business support. Prior to Yale, she served in various senior leadership positions in premier hospitality operations such as Hilton Worldwide, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Carlton, Renaissance and Starwood-Marriott.

Read more: Yale Hospitality announces Stacey Hepburn-James as Senior Director of Residential Operations

Bonus: Aramark introduces very LTO items to arena menus

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]