Eagle Market up and running

In these crazy times, many things have changed. One of these changes was the decision to close the Eagle Market in the first couple of weeks after classes started. 

Stewart Lavender, Director of Operations, had the tough decision early on in the semester to decide whether or not to close the market. COVID-19 impacted the market with the staffing level, although none of the staff  had to quarantine. “It was difficult to operate both,” Stewart said. “Deciding what food place to focus on was not easy.”

As soon as they the closed Eagle Market, the staff tried to get it opened as soon as possible. What they needed during the time of the closure was to regroup and find a good strategy for opening back up with enough staff. 

Before reopening, the staff wanted to take some precautions for the safety of students and whoever came into the Eagle Market. They put up protective barriers, signs to distance themselves, masks, and cleaning as often as they can. Another way they are limiting contact with one another is handing out condiments instead of having them sit outside the market. 

After talking with several students, they all said they are happy to have the market open up again. Emily Hansen, 21, of Hemingford, said it was nice to have a variety of options to choose from, as well as more grab and go options. 

Rubens Jerome, 22, of West Palm Beach, Florida, also agreed that it was nice to have an option where students are able to get food on the go. “Food is hard to get between classes and people were missing meals,” Jerome said. He noticed that the café was overpacked when he would get his meals, making it difficult to eat when students were in a rush. 

Chase Thurness, 21, of Rapid City, South Dakota, said he likes that he did not have to wait as long to get food when there are more staff working. He also said that it was an easy way to get food between classes to get those extra calories in to gain weight or maintain it for football.