A student stands outside the market on campus, scarfing down a Cup of Noodles in cold weather.
The meal cost her 97 cents. It’s not substantial, but it’s better than nothing.
“This is OK, I guess,” the student, Carissa Berry, said.
With the cafeteria still under construction, some students struggle to find affordable food options on campus.
There are food trucks that are on campus daily, but with the average price for an entree being around $15 it’s not the most economical solution.
According to Bob Rapoza, director of business support services, the school pays about $3,000 a week for the food trucks to be on campus.
In recognizing that food trucks are not a permanent solution, Rapoza said the school has purchased a mobile kitchen that is set to open early next year.
The mobile kitchen, which sits in front of the ASB building, will have affordable meals and will employ a couple of students.
In the meantime, the only ready-to-go meals available to students is a Farmer’s Fridge vending machine that sells jars of salad and wraps with prices ranging from $6 to $12.
For students of limited financial means, the Viking Vault hosts a free food pantry on both campuses with the support of the Basic Needs program.
The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at LAC and only Wednesdays and Thursdays at PCC.
Students only need to show up and share their student ID number to receive free items such as diapers, produce, eggs, and other grocery items.
The Basic Needs program also facilitates things like rental assistance for economically impacted students and free breakfast once a month on both campuses.
“We’re looking to destigmatize the idea of needing assistance,” Brianna Chavez of the Basic Needs program said.
With resources available to those who need it, many students still struggle, unaware of opportunities to receive them.
A student who utilizes the Basic Needs program, Jonathan Stcyr, feels changes should be made in how the school shares information about the food pantry.
Many students who could benefit from the program are left underserved for lack of knowledge.
“They should utilize social media more,” Stcyr said. “Everyone’s tapped in (to their phones), they should be reached where they are.”
Currently, the Basic Needs program sends out emails periodically and makes class presentations to raise awareness about the program.
Chavez agrees with the sentiments of Stcyr, however, that a stronger social media presence would be helpful.
Still, for students who want a decent meal, the problem of affordable options on campus does remain.
While they may be able to get free food at the Viking Vault food pantry, a lot of the options have to be cooked.
Stcyr went on to say that having a few microwaveable options, along with a microwave in the vault would be useful.