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The student body wasa greeted by a new fixture in Usdan, the P.O.D. Store upon returning to campus last fall. While some bemoaned the new name, most were happy with the new, cleaner, shinier and better-stocked campus convenience store.

What students may not have known, however, is that the P.O.D., which stands for “Provisions on Demand,” is part of Brandeis’ Dining Services effort to be more green, Michael Newmark, Director of Dining Services wrote in an e-mail to The Hoot.

According to Newmark, The P.O.D store, which is one of only a few on college campuses across the country, is unique in that it “reinvents the campus store experience by blending ‘corner store’ quick convenience with modern market style and service,” wrote Newmark.

The P.O.D has expanded its inventory; many may remember the contents of the old expressway, or as it was more affectionately known, the C-store. An aisle of candy bars, chips, and cereal. An aisle of microwaveable foods and an aisle of what were essentially condiments. There were refrigerated drinks, a small selection of produce, and an even smaller selection of dry goods.

According to Newmark’s e-mail, the store’s new and improved stock, which includes an extensive vegan and organic selection, was “Developed from extensive market research and student focus group[s].” Additionally, the P.O.D, along with all Aramark dining facilities, has gone green and is helping students reduce their carbon footprint.

The non-Kosher dining in Sherman has gone tray-less, decreasing the amount of water used and food wasted. Food waste is composted and over 400 tons of food was composted last year. The P.O.D., as well as the other dining locations, carry products from local farmers, not only providing students with better quality foods, but also reducing emissions because there is less transportation is required, meaning less pollution created. P.O.D. has also put an emphasis on recycling through the “Recyclemania” competition, which pits campuses against each other in a race to see who has the highest recycling rate.

Julie Judson ’11 said that store has improved shopping on campus. “Comparatively, the P.O.D. store is far more convenient, [there is] way more to choose from and I think it’s a great addition to dining and student life on campus,” she said.

Newmark wrote that the P.O.D was designed for the savvy shopper, and anyone who has been there at lunch times would not be in doubt of the fact that this design has been quite successful.