As a result of the opening of the new Village Provisions on Demand Market, Aramark decided to donate 10 percent of its profits from the first day of business to Japanese tsunami relief. This charitable contribution surely raised awareness for an incredibly significant issue, and this board commends University Dining Services for its involvement in this important cause. Aramark has contributed to other important causes this academic year, aside from yesterday's initiative. The annual Relay For Life event, which took place last Saturday night in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, was the result of team participation from a wide array of campus groups, including Brandeis Dining services.

Additionally, the recent program known as "Brandeis Be Our Guest," started by the Hunger and Homelessness program of the Waltham Group in conjunction with Aramark, has experienced tremendous success.

As Andrew Mandel '11, one of the Waltham Group's three hunger and homelessness coordinators, said in an interview with the Justice, "People think that Aramark is this evil corporation, but they've been so helpful and we would have never been able to go along with this program without their support."

While this board commends Aramark for contributing to causes important to the Brandeis community, we recognize that students are concerned with the quality of dining services provided. A recent Student Union survey found that dining services rank among the top concerns of students on campus. This board hopes that moving forward, Aramark will be as responsive in addressing students' complaints as it has been to requests to participate in social justice initiatives.