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The University of Louisville listened.

Ah, finally some attention.

They listened to the grumbles of stomachs and the voices of a concerned student body.

Changes to U of L’s food service provider, from Chartwell’s to Sodexo, is a positive step forward in the right direction.

It took a couple of rookies, Dean of Students Mike Mardis and Director of the Student Activities Center Tim Moore, to listen strike up enough nerve and make some changes to a campus service that fell significantly short of any quality service.

As the university strives to become “a more vibrant campus” as Mardis coined, it’s a thoughtful move to enhance the on-campus food services.

Last year, food lines clogged walkways in the SAC, options were miniscule (let’s not even mention “healthy” options) and hours of operation were geared more toward the 65 and older crowd and not the kind of students U of L was trying to bring in.

Considering the largest and most academically prepared class just came to U of L, it might be wise to try to keep them here.

Usually, ample food will keep the masses satisfied.

Although changes aren’t necessarily drastic, one can notice a few minor additions that should help create a better campus life here at U of L.

The new “food bus” parks near the School of Business in the morning to greet hungry sleepy heads off the Black Loop. In the afternoon, they’re located in the Humanities quad with lunch items such as sandwiches and sodas.

Ah, finally some convenience.

Inside: when students leave their classes at Davidson Hall, there is Café a la cart to grab a snack or beverage.

If a student is looking for something a little more gourmet there is Mein Bowl: (Chinese food) in the Terrace and The Halftime Grill (across from the Terrace), which offers a buffet style setting.

If the SAC is becoming monotonous, one can venture over to University Tower Apartments for Sub Hub, Quick Zone, or the Cardinal’s Nest.

Other changes include operating hours, with Wendy’s being open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Papa John’s until 11 p.m. daily. Not the healthiest of choices, but at least it’s on campus.

There’s a bright future ahead that includes great eateries like McAlister’s Deli in January 2009 and Einstein Bros. in fall 2009. But there are some great places now, like Smart Market in The Terrace (second floor of the Student Activities Center), which has grab and go food.

These improvements are a blessing, as going off campus for more options is a hassle. Commuting to school is hard enough, during lunch time, it’s even worse.

Taco Bell and Bearno’s now have competition: on campus dining.