Cookie race tied into presidential election

If presidential politics and elections leave a bad taste in your mouth, then Bon Appetit has something for you.

In recognition of the presidential campaign, the bakery staff of Bon Appetit — the University’s contracted food service provider — is making fresh cookies every day, with elephants emblazoned on one batch and donkeys on the other.

“We were looking for a fun way for our dining services to support and become more involved with the debate and the election,” said Steve Hoffner, assistant vice chancellor for students and director of operations. “The cookie idea was one that was simple to do and would allow us to gauge students and other customers ‘tastes,’ so to speak.”

Each cookie purchased for 75 cents equals a vote for one party. A banner posted in the Hilltop Bakery in Mallinckrodt Student Center displays the score and is updated weekly so students can see who’s in the lead.

The idea began when one faculty member discovered a similar cookie on a political Web site.

After discussing the many possibilities of including these cookies as part of an ongoing monthly bakery promotion, it was decided that the best alternative was to let students cast their votes with cookies.

The bakery staff experimented with different possibilities, then launched the program by introducing two different sugar cookies at several locations across campus.

The promotion, which began Sept. 27, will continue through Election Day, Nov. 2.

Cookies can be purchased at the following locations: Bear’s Den, Ursa’s Café, the Hilltop Bakery and The Village Café.