Pitt-Johnstown students have found themselves tray-less this semester when dining in the Varsity Café. The food trays have been taken away as part of the new sustainability plan presented by Sodexo.

Information was posted online last semester to give students a heads up that trays would not be present upon their return from break.

Sodexo catering manager Derek Krajc said some students have turned in comment cards, voicing their opinions on the new changes.

“We have really gotten mixed reviews. Some are simply wondering where the trays went, and others are supporting the initiatives to go green,” Krajc said.

A sign explaining the trays’ absence was placed at the cafeteria entrance.

Krajc said that once students’ questions were answered, they supported the decision more.

“Educating each customer is imperative because it makes them aware of the trends, and allows us to help the environment,” Krajc said.

Krajc said that taking away trays will also prevent dish room safety hazards. Trays that were stacked with dishes in between were causing dishes to fall and break.

Not all students are supportive of the decision.

Sophomore Chris Search said that, without trays, dishes and food are more difficult to carry.

“I think that the trays were easier to hold and people were less likely to drop dishes,” said Search.

Students are becoming creative in finding ways to carry dishes, stacking them in their hands and holding phones or keys in their mouths.

Other students have less conventional reasons for being upset.

“I am upset they took the trays away because now we have nothing to use for sled-riding,” said sophomore Jim Doman.

Removing the trays from the Varsity Café was thought to be easier than removing them from the high-traffic main cafeteria.

Krajc said that the main cafeteria may go back to “trayless Tuesdays” but will have trays part time, at least for now.

Two Sodexo employees declined comment on the trays’ absence in the Café.

“We’re not allowed to comment as workers,” one said.