Food transformation under way

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Total force Airmen here will see a new era in food service operations as the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative begins today.

FTI is a pilot program designed to provide Airmen with improved food quality, variety and availability, while maintaining home station and warfighting feeding capabilities. Pilot locations include Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, Fairchild AFB, Wash., Little Rock AFB, Ark., Patrick AFB, Fla., and Travis AFB, Calif.

Air Force officials said research indicated Airmen desired more menu variety and increased operating hours.

"FTI is designed to meet those desires while executing sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars," said Col. Sandra Adams, Air Force Services Agency commander. "The initiative will save Air Force major commands an estimated 36 percent in budget food service contract costs. Additionally, our Airmen on meal cards will continue to receive meals at no cost."

During the initial phase of implementation, Airmen at the pilot locations will see new aesthetic designs, gourmet-style menu selections and increased operating hours at dining facilities so they have more time to complete their missions.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to restore a sense of community by allowing civilians, families and retirees to eat at pilot installation dining facilities beginning Dec 1.

From today through Sunday, dining facilities at Elmendorf, Little Rock, MacDill and Fairchild will offer a buffet style meal while initial upgrades are under way for the grill, deli and salad bar stations. The upgrades for these stations will be complete by Monday.

"MacDill's Dining facility will run a buffet style menu beginning with lunch meal today through Sunday," said Master Sgt. Thomas Gonzales, Dining Facility Manager. "The grill and deli will be closed for visual and merchandising upgrades. FTI will begin Monday with breakfast."

Mike Pardue, 6th Force Support Squadron, added "During October the Air Force menus will continue to be utilized, while transitioning to the new menus. Eventually most all of the menus will be replaced and additional food stations added."

"We are excited to begin this innovative program, and we will continue to adjust to changing lifestyles, needs and preferences through improved efficiency and reducing costs," Colonel Adams said. "The Air Force has partnered with the FTI contractor to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible for the pilot installations."

Future implementation of FTI at additional bases will be considered based on the results at the pilot installations.