Food Initiative to provide more availability, healthy choices

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th RW Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., --  Team Beale will begin to see changes in 9th Force Support Squadron food service operations starting Oct. 1, as the Food Transformation Initiative expands to Beale.

FTI is a dining program designed to provide Airmen with improved food quality, variety, availability and facilities.

"The initiative has many customer-focused aspects," said Capt. Anthony Mir, 9th FSS operations officer. "One of FTI's goals is to meet and exceed expectations Airmen have about on base dining."

9th FSS food services will be open to everyone; from active duty to civilian visitors, said Lt. Col. Connie May, 9th FSS commander.

A key feature of FTI is the introduction of campus-style dining. This will allow the option to dine at any 9th FSS facility including the Contrails Dining Facility, Ramoneda, Recce-Point Club, Coyote Pub and Grill, Beale Lanes and Coyote Cafe.

Airmen who utilize a meal card will be able to purchase food at these locations.

Another aspect of the program is improved hours. The Contrails Dining Facility is slated to have continuous service 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"It's a great benefit," said May. "Airmen will now have more options and availability when it comes to dining on base."

Along with new hours, Contrails will undergo renovations.

The improvements will include; a grab-and-go section, deli, a salad bar and a pizza serving station. These stations will allow customers the added convenience of going directly to a station instead of waiting in a cafeteria-style line.

In addition, a made-to-order grill will provide healthy dining options.

"Healthier food options is a big part of being fit to fight," said Col. Phil Stewart, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. "I'm excited, our Airmen deserve the best and I see a lot of good in FTI."

Renovations will begin Oct. 1 and last approximately six months according to May.

For more information about FTI visit www.usafservices.com