New DFAC take-out process at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Washburn
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  As part of a new policy, the dining facility here has implemented a new carry-out procedure for Airmen and their food needs.

The new policy allows Airmen to bring in their own takeout containers and transfer their food into them after returning to the dining facility seating area.

As part of a larger wing effort to address budgetary constraints brought on by sequestration, the 374th Force Support Squadron suspended the use of takeout Styrofoam containers. However, based on customer feedback, they provided a no-cost alternative, allowing customers to bring in their own plastic containers for carryout use.

"We were spending about $5,000 a month on takeout containers," said Master Sgt. Roberto Cerda, 374 FSS. "We had the cutlery, large containers, small plastic containers and clear ones as well, so it was a substantial cost for us."

Airmen who want to bring in a container for takeout have to make sure they don't bring the container into the serving lines. It has to stay in the dining area to prevent the spread of food-borne illness.

"We're trying to meet Airmen half way with the new policy change," Cerda said. "We'll give Airmen the option to take food out in their own container, but they have to do it in the dining area."

Although the policy just started, the effects are already being felt by DFAC Airmen.

"It's definitely a good idea," said Airman 1st Class Luke Wilson, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron. "It's not going to cost the DFAC any extra money and people want to use it."