A student stands outside the market on campus, scarfing down a Cup of Noodles in cold weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meal cost her 97 cents. It\u2019s not substantial, but it\u2019s better than nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is OK, I guess,\u201d the student, Carissa Berry, said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the cafeteria still under construction, some students struggle to find affordable food options on campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are food trucks that are on campus daily, but with the average price for an entree being around $15 it\u2019s not the most economical solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mobile kitchen, which sits in front of the ASB building, will have affordable meals and will employ a couple of students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, the only ready-to-go meals available to students is a Farmer\u2019s Fridge vending machine that sells jars of salad and wraps with prices ranging from $6 to $12. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at LAC and only Wednesdays and Thursdays at PCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Basic Needs program also facilitates things like rental assistance for economically impacted students and free breakfast once a month on both campuses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re looking to destigmatize the idea of needing assistance,\u201d Brianna Chavez of the Basic Needs program said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With resources available to those who need it, many students still struggle, unaware of opportunities to receive them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many students who could benefit from the program are left underserved for lack of knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey should utilize social media more,\u201d Stcyr said. \u201cEveryone\u2019s tapped in (to their phones), they should be reached where they are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the Basic Needs program sends out emails periodically and makes class presentations to raise awareness about the program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chavez agrees with the sentiments of Stcyr, however, that a stronger social media presence would be helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, for students who want a decent meal, the problem of affordable options on campus does remain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While they may be able to get free food at the Viking Vault food pantry, a lot of the options have to be cooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stcyr went on to say that having a few microwaveable options, along with a microwave in the vault would be useful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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