UMass opens new academic year by serving more than 3,000 New England clambake dinners

AMHERST, Mass. – The new school year at the University of Massachusetts has started with a record-setting feast.

More than 3,000 traditional New England clambake dinners were served on the Amherst campus on Monday.

Chefs prepared more than 3,000 lobsters, 6,000 little neck clams, 3,000 steamers, more than 6,000 ears of corn and 1,500 pounds of potatoes for students and staff.

There was no previous record for largest New England clambake, but Guinness World Record officials had set a minimum bar at 1,500 meals in eight hours. UMass reached that mark in about an hour.

Ken Toong, executive director of auxiliary services, says most of the food was locally sourced, and all waste, including plates and flatware, will be composted.

The $70,000 cost of the clambake was covered entirely by donations and sponsorships.