Members of the Harvard Fair Trade Initiative (HFTI), an organization that has advocated for fair trade coffee since February 2001, also expressed surprise at HUDS’ decision.

“HUDS made this decision somewhat unilaterally,” said Jordan A. A. Bar Am ’04, the co-director of HFTI. “We didn’t know they were going to do it, but we’re happy about it. HUDS has been very responsive to fair trade coffee, and we’ve had a very, very positive relationship with them.”

McNitt said that while HUDS is trying to serve fair trade coffee as frequently as possible, “significant cost differences” make it difficult to serve fair trade coffee daily in all the Houses.

McNitt said she did not have a specific dollar amount immediately available.

“It’s a worthy cause to support,” said Quincy resident Rio G. Bennin ’04, who noted that he does not drink coffee.

Quincy resident Kristina N. Vetter ’04 said, “All of a sudden, I noticed the coffee was tasting better. I only drink fair trade coffee now.”

Quincy resident Ali B. Sulzer ’03 said, “We’re sending a message out that we’re going to watch out for people’s salaries.”

While fair trade coffee is not being served daily in Dunster and Mather Houses, which also await renovation, HUDS has implemented other changes for those dining halls.

All three Houses have received George Foreman grills. Dunster residents now have Belgian waffle stations three times a week, and Mather’s kitchen now has new grills and fryers.

—Staff writer Mandy H. Hu can be reached at mhu@fas.harvard.edu