AF officials award food transformation contract Published Aug. 6, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Air Force officials announced today the competitive award of a contract to conduct the second phase of food operations at seven Air Force installations as part of the Food Transformation Initiative. The new contractor, Sodexo, will begin FTI operations Oct. 1 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Vandenberg AFB, Calif., F.E. Warren, Wyo., Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Dyess AFB, Texas, Barksdale AFB, La. and Eglin AFB, Fla. Dates for full operational capability for dining facilities will vary depending upon renovation plan schedules. "FTI enables us to apply industry best practices and expertise to our food service operations and ultimately provide a better dining experience for our Airmen," said Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force Personnel Center commander. "We're finding efficiencies in how we deliver food with a focus on the needs of our customer - Airmen and families." The FTI program is designed to improve the quality, variety and availability of food service operations. The initial phase launched in 2010 at the following six installations: Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, Fairchild AFB, Wash., Little Rock AFB, Ark., MacDill AFB, Fla., Patrick AFB, Fla. and Travis AFB, Calif. "We have had fantastic feedback from our customers on the initial phase of FTI," said Col. Mason Pigue, AFPC services directorate operations director. "We are committed to ensuring better delivery of meal choices, food quality, speed of service and the overall dining experience for all of our customers." Part of the enhanced food operations includes expanding readiness training to Airmen so they remain qualified to feed the force both at home or during deployment operations. FTI will adjust installation food service operations to meet the lifestyles, needs and preferences of customers, and will restore a sense of community by expanding the eligibility of customers that can use these facilities. Patrons will notice expanded hours of operations at dining facilities at these installations and a larger variety of healthier menu choices and beverage options. Airmen on Essential Station Messing or meal cards can use their entitlements at all non-appropriated fund food and beverage facilities such as golf courses, bowling centers and clubs. "The intent of the FTI pilot program is to more effectively serve and feed Airmen. In doing so, we want to update the system to provide better options and availability," said Pigue. For more information about Air Force food service operations and other quality of life programs, visit www.usafservices.com or www.myairforcelife.com.