Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs - Dining

Last updated: 07/13/20 11:15 a.m.

RESIDENTIAL DINING

What extra steps are being taken by EMDH staff to ensure the safety of guests?

The safety, health, and well-being of our guests remains our highest priority. Each day, EMDH practices the highest standards for safety and sanitation, including:

• Requiring all guests and employees to wear face coverings at all times, unless an individual is eating a meal in a designated dining area
• Ensuring physical distancing guidelines are followed with floor markers six feet apart, plexiglass barriers, and contactless systems like self-swipe card readers
• Eliminating self-service and using disposable containers whether guests select carry-out or choose to dine in designated dining areas
• Enhancing cleaning practices to include the sanitation of all tables and chairs after each use, as well as more frequent sanitation of restrooms and other high contact areas
• All staff involved in food production and service are required to:
  • Wear face coverings and gloves at all times
  • Attend COVID-19 related training sessions
  • Participate in daily temperature and symptom screenings
  • Focus on frequent handwashing and changing of serving utensils

Does Illinois State University require face coverings in public spaces?

Yes, individuals are required to wear face coverings when they are in a public indoor space, unless an individual is eating a meal in a designated dining area. For more information, please visit CDC.gov/coronavirus/

Are the dining centers open? What are the hours of operation?

Marketplace at Linkins is currently open for the following hours:

• Daily:
  • Breakfast: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

If you need to make arrangements to pick up meals outside of scheduled meal periods, please call (309) 261.9379.

For information on bus service to Marketplace at Linkins, please visit Connect-transit.com/.

Watterson Dining Commons is now closed and will reopen on Friday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Can both residential and off-campus students use their meal plans?

Yes, all summer meal plan holders have access to use their meal plans at Marketplace at Linkins for the remainder of the summer.

Will the dining centers still offer foods that accommodate special dietary needs?

If you have any dietary needs (food allergies, celiac disease, or other restrictions), please contact our Registered Dietitian, Desiray Yeaw, at dyeaw@ilstu.edu to ensure your needs are met.

Will the dining centers open early to accommodate early move-in to residence halls?

Both Marketplace at Linkins and Watterson Dining Commons will be open on Friday, August 7. All meal plans will be activated on August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at no additional cost. More information, including hours of operation, will be shared shortly.

RETAIL DINING

What retail dining venues are open?

At this time, Subway in Manchester Hall is open for carry-out daily from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Both Starbucks and The Landing inside the Bone Student Center are now open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

All other retail dining venues are closed until further notice, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

FOOD INSECURITY

What resources are available for students facing challenges related to food insecurity and hardship?

Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) is committed to providing care for the Redbird community. If an Illinois State University student is dealing with challenges related to food insecurity and hardship, they should contact EMDH@IllinoisState.edu for more information and guidance on the available resources.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

For more details regarding student employment, visit Coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/faqs/#employment.