At the secondary levels, a variety of spaces shall be included to provide options for small eating groups and larger, communal eating, and storage for dining furniture or educational program supplies to facilitate multi-use of the area.

Variety of Spaces

In middle and high schools, provide a variety of seating types and arrangements, to cater to different students’ needs and social comfortability, especially in middle and high school. Provide opportunities in large dining areas for presentations and other large-scale events by equipping with Audio/Visual equipment such as projector, screen and speakers.

Image: Garden City HS

Flexible Furniture

Furniture should be easily cleanable.  As dining is outdoors unless inclement weather, shade is needed for the eating area, as well as a windscreen.

Indoors, provide the ability for students to easily relocate depending on individual and group needs. Provide for storage of dining furniture to create large open floor space during non-dining times. Movable furniture allows students and staff to properly clean below and behind.

Image: North Polk HS

Waste Collection

Provide clear and ample areas for composting and waste collection and sorting.  Position sorting bins in clear and obvious areas during mealtimes, and allow for easy access by staff to transition to the exterior waste collection after meals are complete.  Position exterior waste bins to be easily accessible by the waste collection company nearby to the food service area.

Image: Cal Poly Dining Facility

Cleanability

Utilize washable surfaces to greatest extent possible, via non-porous materials that are easily wiped down and can withstand frequent cleaning. Where possible, provide plumbing fixtures nearby including lavatories to wash hands and drinking fountains with bottle fillers.

Image: Joplin Interim