Food prices on campus too high for some
Patrick Hernandez
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: News
|
Don Wallace, the vice president of administrative services on campus said every year the prices are adjusted. "Our food service provider Aramark conducts food surveys every year in the area comparing prices from each food venue, and Aramark sets their prices compared to our surroundings," said Wallace. He also said big chains like Starbucks and Taco Bell don't have an interest in serving community college campuses because there is no student housing on campus and students normally come and go.
Most people said prices are just out of the ordinary. "Some of the prices are absurd." Said Luz Diaz, a 25-year-old medical assisting major. "I can get a fruit parfait at McDonalds for a dollar, and here it's almost $3."
According to Business Week Magazine, the U.S. Agriculture Department predicts that the cost of food prices will increase by 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent this year alone because of the rising cost of fuel and other factors.
One student said she now brings her lunch from home because she can't afford $5-6 meals everyday. "I would expect a community college to offer lower prices in the $4 range, but I can't afford six-something for a combo," said Juliessa Morgan, a 22-year-old English major. "I now bring my lunch from home, prepare it every night and it still tastes as good."
Wallace also said prices are very similar if you were to compare it to McDonalds or Burger King. "Our prices are very competitive compared to McDonald's, a student can order a quarter pound meal for the same value," Wallace said.
An example, a quarter pound meal cost just over $5 with tax and on campus it's listed under $5 without tax.
One student compared prices with a big chain Chinese restaurant. "At Panda Express I can get a sweet and sour plate for less than $5 and here it's slightly over by 30 cents." said Erin Lesley, 20-year-old Business and Nutrition major. " I think the salad system isn't great as well. They charge you .49 cents for each ounce your salad weighs and same for the amount of dressing."
One employee on campus also agrees some changes could be made.
"I agreed the prices could probably be slightly lowered." said Leanne Rogers, an account clerk for the Business Services Department. "I've also heard students complaining about them, but then again it's much faster to eat if you're on campus all day instead of leaving and coming back."
Recently, Don Wallace started organizing a student advisory to have students on campus express their opinions and thoughts on the food offered on campus. Their ideas are later submitted to Aramark for consideration. The next advisory will be held on May __, 2009 in room ___.
Be the first to comment on this story