DFAC meals getting better, healthier thanks to Food Transformation Initiative

  • Published
  • By Erin Tindell
  • Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Customers of the Hercules Dining Facility will soon enjoy a fresh new look, midnight meals, and healthier, expanded options after upgrades are completed Oct. 4 in support of the Food Transformation Initiative.

The DFAC will serve buffet-style meals from Oct. 1 to 3 while initial upgrades continue for the grill, deli, salad bar and express (grab-and-go) stations.

The changes are an effort to better serve the dining needs for today's Airmen.

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

"The variety is going to be huge for our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Jimmy Daniels, 19th Force Support Squadron superintendent. "Our Airmen eating at the dining facility after Oct. 4 will experience more variety than they've ever seen in past operations."

Midnight meals begin the night of Oct. 4 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for everyone currently authorized to use the facility.

"The whole intent of the midnight meal was to take care of our shift workers, working the night shifts, by providing more nutritious food choices, in addition to current ground support meals available through our flight kitchen," said Chief Daniels. "The midnight meal will be a grill service, offering breakfast items, traditional grilled sandwiches and sides, as well as fresh prepackaged items to-go."

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 starting Dec. 1.

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

"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," Col. Sandra Adams, Air Force Services Agency commander. "The Air Force has partnered with the FTI contractor to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible for the pilot installations."

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

"FTI is designed to meet those desires while executing sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars," said Colonel Adams. "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."

For more information about FTI and other Air Force Services Agency programs geared toward taking care of Airmen and their families, visit www.usafservices.com.

(This article was contributed to by Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars)