On-Campus Catering Options for Your Event

When planning catering for your on-campus event, there are several options available to suit different budgets and event needs. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy or more elaborate, you'll find plenty of choices.

1. Ida Bar Catering

A valuable resource on campus is the Ida Bar. Ida Bar offers a range of catering options and is an excellent choice for events hosted at UMSU. You can reach out to them directly to arrange catering, whether it's a small snack bar or a larger spread for your event. The Ida Bar team is experienced in catering for student events, making them a great option for your next gathering.

2. On-Campus Retailers

UMSU is home to a variety of on-campus food retailers that can cater to your event. These retailers offer a range of food and beverages, and you can reach out to them directly to arrange catering. Each retailer has its own menu and catering options, so you can find something that best fits your event's theme and audience. You can check out the list of available on-campus retailers here for more details and contact information.

3. Other Catering Options

If you're looking to offer something unique at your event, food trucks are a popular option. Many food trucks are happy to come to your event and serve students on-site. You can typically expect the following costs for external catering options:

  • BBQ: $2 per person
  • Prepacked snacks: $5 - $15 per person
  • Food Trucks: $10 - $30 per person
  • Donuts: $3 per person
  • Popcorn: $0.50 per person

For a BBQ, you will need to budget for additional costs such as BBQ hire, staff, and utensils. Most BBQs are set up for larger crowds of around 600 people.

BBQ events: BBQs come with a BBQ utensils kit, cleaning kit, plus fire extinguisher. Place your booking via the Events team. Ensure you give at least 2-3 weeks' notice before your event date. 

For Food and Donut trucks: it's important to note that food trucks generally have a minimum spend requirement, usually starting at $2000, so they are typically better suited for larger events. Keep in mind that you should allow 3-4 weeks for food truck bookings to ensure availability and proper planning.

Staffing and Setup

A qualified casual staff member will, in most cases, be booked through CME to set up the barbecue, assist with cooking, and clean the BBQ afterward. Our Event Casuals have Safe Food Handling and is fully trained in BBQ set-up and safety. They can also supervise your volunteers in cooking and serving.

Budget and Planning

When considering external catering, it's helpful to get an early start on the planning, especially when it comes to food trucks, as they can take some time to coordinate. Make sure to consider the scale of your event and plan accordingly based on the number of people expected and your overall budget.

Whether you're sourcing from on-campus retailers, using the Ida Bar, or bringing in an external food provider, there are a variety of catering solutions available to ensure your event is well-fed and enjoyable for everyone involved.

For more information or help in coordinating catering for your event, feel free to reach out to the UMSU Events team! We're here to help you every step of the way.