Members of the Sodexo dining staff held their first open forum on Wednesday to discuss student concerns about options for those with food allergies and pricing at the campus cafes.

Director of Business Services Karen Dickinson, Director of Dining Services Jean Bergeron, Sodexo’s Executive Chef Wanderson Dearaujo, and General Manager of Dining and Catering Services Kerrianne Donnelly attended the event, held in the Beard Room. Two students were present. Bergeron said at the event that they plan on hosting similar forums every month.

Donnelly said they began holding the forums to encourage open dialogue with students about issues they may have with the Little Building dining hall and other on-campus eateries.

Dearaujo discussed adding more hot gluten-free options to the dining hall, as well as increasing interactions between Sodexo employees and students. He also said they plan on expanding the vegan station.

The members of the forum encouraged students to reach out to them when they have concerns about dining services at Emerson.

“Some of these changes could be done right away,” Dearaujo said. “All it takes is one open conversation.”