A table of food was binned at the “sustainability” themed Students’ Union Awards last week, Thursday, April 3.
A buffet style dinner was available at the reception before the awards.
However, the food was disposed of when the awards ceremony began, and was not made available during the interval or at the end of the event.
When asked, the Students’ Union confirmed this was not their decision but was University policy due to health and safety concerns.
The buffet offered cooked vegetarian, vegan, and meat items, as well as sandwiches and a dessert dish.
One witness said they saw a full tray of macaroni pies added to the buffet just before the five minute call for the beginning of the awards.
The awards were already under scrutiny for distributing disposable paper wristbands despite the “sustainable” theme.
During the awards, Brig spoke to a guest who arrived late and did not receive any food.
They said: “I wasn’t really aware about the food timings. I would’ve came earlier if knew there wasn’t going to be food during the interval.
“I won my ticket on a spinning wheel, so I haven’t lost out on money.
“However had I have paid, I’d have been pissed off.”
The tickets for the Students’ Union Awards cost £35.
The event replaced the previously held Clubs and Societies Ball, which acknowledged and rewarded the efforts of the University’s clubs and societies whilst reflecting on the year.
The new Awards aimed to reflect the success of clubs and societies as well as academic reps, union representatives, and other groups.
The previous year’s event at the Golden Lion hotel in Stirling offered a ‘sit-down’ three course meal, where guests were able to pre-order their meal.
This year, the event moved to the Macrobert Arts Centre, catered by the University of Stirling.
The Students’ Union Sustainability Officer Officer Janhavee Belvalkar said: “I think despite all the efforts the Students’ Union has put into reducing food waste on campus, it’s really sad to see that the University doesn’t care at the same level.
“I think it’s mainly sad because there were other options like leaving the food out for us to eat during the ceilidh, or to give the food to the community food initiative which the University knows about.
“I know there is a lot more behind throwing out food like the the safety concerns part of it, but that’s where the community food initiative comes in, and there are students studying upstairs who can have the food.”
A spokesperson from the Students’ Union said: “This was the first time we had run our Students’ Union Awards on campus and a lot of planning and attention went into making the event as successful as it was.
“However, we were also left disappointed that the event generated food waste, particularly as we understand some guests felt restricted in the amount they were allowed by the caterers.
“Sabbatical Officers will be sharing their feedback with the University later this week and shall again offer to work in partnership to ensure any food waste can be reduced or redirected in future.”
A spokesperson from the University of Stirling said: “Our food safety protocols, which follow UK food hygiene and safety guidelines, dictate that we only display food for a maximum of two hours.
“The University works in partnership with the Students’ Union and the wider community to reduce food waste through a number of initiatives, including the Too Good To Throw campaign.”
Featured image credit: Robbie McAvenue