middbriefs

Author: Brian Fung and Anthony Adragna

College banana supply unaffected by scandal

Despite recent shockwaves in the global fruit market produced by banana company Chiquita Brands International, the College's dining halls will continue to provide bananas as usual, according to Director of Dining Services Matthew Biette.

Chiquita, which earlier this year pleaded guilty to funding right-wing Colombian paramilitary organizations, was fined $25 million by a U.S. federal court last Monday. In return for the company's compliance with the order, the prosecution agreed not to reveal the names of any Chiquita executives who were involved in the dealings.

The complexities of food procurement make discovering a banana's true source largely a matter of luck for the average student. Still, those concerned about socially responsible investing need not worry.

"As for being approached to stop buying Chiquita," wrote Biette in an e-mail, "it seems like a non-issue."

Biette explained that though the College purchases Chiquita bananas on occasion, it only does so when no other types of bananas are available.

College foodservice contractor Black River Produce assured that it rarely supplies bananas from Chiquita and instead typically purchases from Turbana or Dole. Meanwhile, according to Biette, Burlington Foodservice Company buys Bonita and Dole bananas, exclusively.

"Chiquita may end up in their stream," wrote Biette, "but, in reality, it is based on the availability at the produce market in Chelsea, Mass."


Committee to promote staff involvement

President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz announced the creation of an ad hoc committee to explore the furtherance of Recommendation #23 of the College Strategic Plan, encouraging more staff involvement in educational activities outside of the classroom in an email sent to the College community on Sept. 24.

In the recommendation comes the hope that staff members will acquire flex time that will allow them to attend additional lectures, commons event and encourage them to work on cooperative projects with students or other staff members.

Chairing the committee is Lynn Dunton in College Advancement. Also serving on the committee are Martha Baldwin from the Rohatyn Center, Ginnie Bukowski in Telephone Services, Robert Keren in Communications, Matt Laux in Dining, Carol Peddie in Library and Information Services, Mary Stanley in Facilities and Missy Thompson in Public Safety.

The committee will meet for three months and develop a list of recommendations for consideration. The administration hopes to incorporate the suggestions into the ongoing strategic plan process.

"I am grateful to the community members who have agreed to be part of this important project, and look forward to watching their work unfold in the coming months," Liebowitz wrote in the e-mail announcement.