MC updates catering policy for campus events

Kyle Farmer, Staff Writer and Photographer

May 11, 2025

Montgomery College has implemented a new catering policy that changes how students, organizations, faculty, and staff order food for events as of fall 2024.

Chef Stephanie Oporto prepares a burrito for student Justine Abanobi, an architecture major, during the Monday lunch rush in the first-floor cafeteria of the Student Services Building on April 28. (Photo credit, Kyle Farmer)

Under the new policy, student organizations and faculty can order food from any restaurant for events under $1,000. Any order exceeding that amount must go through the college’s designated catering service.

This policy update comes after MC reviewed its catering services, and as part of this change, Metz Catering remains the required vendor for large orders above $1,000.

According to Sokol Mato, CASP from Auxiliary Enterprises at MC, the policy change reflects the college’s commitment to improving catering services by reviewing input from students, faculty, and staff and using that feedback to help improve service.

Since July 2020, the college entered into an agreement with Metz.

“The goal of the catering program is to provide quality and high-level service that reflects its emphasis on community between the students, faculty, and staff for the college community at an affordable price range,” he said.

MC’s Office of Procurement required a food, dining, and catering provider. Metz was chosen by a bid the college made to fulfill this requirement, according to Mato.

MC’s Auxiliary Enterprise team is working to improve campus dining by attending key meetings, reviewing feedback, and collaborating with college employees and the Metz catering service.

Cashier Katherine Reyes hands back change to a student purchasing iced tea at the register station in the campus cafeteria on April 28. (Photo credit, Kyle Farmer)

While the policy ensures a structured catering system, student leaders have mixed opinions on how it affects event planning.

Some students find that ordering from outside vendors is more reliable, despite the policy’s convenience.

Sofia Perez, the Student Government Association president and former Student Activities Board chair, said, “I would not say ordering off campus is easier, it can be more complicated when it comes to payment and delivery, but I will say from experience that ordering off campus is more reliable option.”

While ordering off-campus can be complex, some students say faculty advisors help make the process smoother.

“We have great advisors that make sure there is not much difficulty for student organizations,” she said.

For more information about Metz catering, call 240-567-7611, email [email protected], or visit MC Catering.