SPECIAL EVENTS
The Dining Services sponsors special meals and events periodically throughout the year at no additional cost to students on meal plans. Study breaks are also held during finals week each semester to give students a chance to relax and enjoy some of their favorite snacks. Dates, menus, and times of special events are posted in advance at the marketplace and on the Grinnell Dining web page for your information.


PICNICS
Picnic takeouts are available to groups of students (minimum of 8 students) on meal plans when arrangements are made in advance. The Marketplace Manager should be contacted at least seven full days in advance of the desired event, and guaranteed counts, first and last names of participants with corresponding I.D. numbers and meat/vegetarian preferences are required at least 72 hours prior to the event. Grills, tables, and trash barrels may be arranged for with Facilities Management. Student groups will need to provide their own charcoal, serving utensils, and spatulas for turning.

A college account number or other method of backup payment should be provided at the time the order is placed to cover additional charges incurred (student names turned in without valid meals available, additional guests not on meal plan, etc.). An alternative rain location should also be pre-arranged by the group, since the food order may not be cancelled within 48 hours of the event. Dining Services reserves the right to limit the number of picnics at any one time. No orders for picnics will be taken for final exam weeks.

The standard picnic takeout menu is as follows:
Hamburger with Bun
(or) Hot Dog with Bun
(or) Bratwurst with Bun
(or) Vegetarian/Vegan Option (when requested)
Ketchup, Mustard, Relish
Choice of One Salad: Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, or Tomato Slices/Lettuce Leaves
Choice of Potato Chips or Carrot Packets
Watermelon
Choice of One Beverage: Lemonade or Iced Water
Choice of Bakery Dessert: Brownies or Cookies
Disposable Plates, Flatware, and Napkins


STUDENT CATERING
Individual students, student organizations, residence hall groups and others interested in holding a function involving services from Dining Services should follow the procedure listed below:
1. Plan the function and notify the Dining Services Catering Department at least one full week prior to the anticipated event.
2. A list of participants and their I.D. numbers must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of the event if a meal plan credit is being applied to the event. In addition, either a cash payment or a college account number for any charges incurred should also be submitted. Since events vary greatly, all student requests will be considered custom in nature.