With the closing of the cafeteria, LBCC has substituted the lack of food options with food trucks causing students to have concerns over the prices of food.
The third set of food trucks this semester arrived on Aug. 30, but were met with concerns from students who worry about high prices on a campus where students are grappling with limited budgets.
The food trucks offered foods like burgers, sandwiches, Asian and Mexican foods, vegan and vegetarian options.
“I just find it more convenient especially when I have time slots in between my classes and I need something fast,” said Alynna Gonzalez, a student who ordered food from one of the two trucks on campus “Heritage LA.”
“The prices are above decent, I mean everything is expensive right now so I’m willing to pay the price,” Gonzalez said.
As students juggle their class schedules and hurriedly move between lectures, the convenience of these mobile eateries is undeniable.
Many students, while willing to pay for the accessible food options, are still raising concerns about the pricing.
Some argue that the convenience factor justifies the prices, considering the time saved and the variety offered.
Others advocate for more budget-friendly options, suggesting partnerships with local vendors or subsidized meal plans.
“We have accommodating prices ranging from $10, I don’t believe they are too crazy,” Charlie Hernandez, a worker for Heritage LA food truck, mentioned in a phone interview.
Hernandez went on to break down the cost structure, starting with the essentials like sourcing quality ingredients, along with, water, labor, gasoline, electricity,and multiple permits.
While the prices may seem steep, especially for college students on tight budgets, food trucks on LBCC campuses sell food efficiently, conveniently, and consistently.
As the semester unfolds, the fate of the food trucks and their role in the campus community remains to be seen.
Only time will reveal whether these mobile culinary havens will satisfy more than just hunger or whether they will bridge the gap between convenience and financial reality for the students of Long Beach City College.