Food Transformation Initiative: The one year mark

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mozer O. Da Cunha
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - --  It has been one year since the Food Transformation Initiative began here. With the new initiative, Airmen have had the option to eat at a variety of locations including the Barksdale Club, Bowling Alley, Fox Run Golf Course and others.

Not only did the FTI provide Airmen with multiple locations to dine, but it also revamped the dining facility menu by introducing seven new healthier food stations including a Mongolian grill, deli station, salad bar and a to-go option for Airmen on the run. 

"One of the new additions introduced during the FTI was the U-food station," said Master Sgt. Melinda Oden, 2nd Force Support Squadron food operations superintendent. "U-food offers healthier alternatives like bison burgers and turkey burgers as opposed to ground beef burgers and baked fries in place of the traditional fried counterpart."

In addition to providing a healthier menu with items made from fresh vegetables and ingredients, the FTI also expanded dining options available to meal card holders.

"Having a variety of locations to choose from gives Airmen the option to have meals available during times the DFAC is not serving," said Oden. "This accommodates Airmen from a variety of shifts."

The expanded menus and locations available provided Airmen with something different.

"I believe being able to venture around base with different food choices increases morale," said Airman 1st Class Darius Robinson, 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare apprentice. "It makes things easier and it makes me happy."

With the variety of meals introduced by the FTI, Airmen are able to explore and discover their favorites.
"My favorite place to eat on base is at the Barksdale Club," said Robinson. "I like the fried chicken it tastes homemade. If I eat at the DFAC, my favorite item is the steak tips."

As a result of expanded authorized locations for meal card holders dining locations on base have seen an exponential growth in the number of patrons using their services.

"Since the implementation of the FTI the Fox Run Golf Course saw a 200 percent growth in business," said Tony Flowers, food and beverage director for non-appropriated funds. "Out of that 200 percent increase 80 percent was from meal card holders, and by implementing breakfast and expanding its hours,  the Bowling Alley saw a 300 percent increase in business."

With additional meal options and locations, Airmen have more fuel to stay fit and accomplish the Bomb Wing mission.