For years, cafeterias have received a negative review, despite their dependability and variety. While the Food Court offers a variety of food choices to fit student’s tastes and convenience, some students still prefer to make their own lunches or visit a nearby restaurant.
“I would rather bring something from home to eat because it’s healthier and cheaper, but it’s also a hassle, so I usually just buy food from the cafeteria unless I have time to prepare a lunch,” Alexa Ferguson, secondary education junior, said.
Local grocery stores, specifically Kroger, have a deli that provides fresh meats for a reasonable price. At Kroger, students are able to purchase a loaf of bread, packages of meat and cheese and a large bag of chips for $10 or $12 and are able to make a couple of week’s worth of meals. Kroger offers quantity and quality for your taste buds.
Due to IU Southeast no longer accepting debit cards as payment in the Food Court or coffee shops, students have elected to eat elsewhere because of the inconvenience.
“I wish they wouldn’t have taken away being able to use your debit card, but as long as I can transfer money from my bank account onto my UCard, I will be OK,” Jessica Bryant, psychology sophomore, said.
The traditional student attending college is low on money and prefers the cheapest food available to them.
Most fast-food restaurants have implemented a dollar menu or value meal into their regular menu options.
Although students give thumbs-up to the cheap prices of the McDonald’s value meal, the nutrition and health facts are more important in other student’s opinions on taking their lunch break at a fast food venue.
The average meal at McDonald’s contains anywhere from 700 to 1,300 calories.
“We serve a nutritional meal for students and not only for a good price, but the food here is much healthier than a fast food restaurant,” Dylan Starkey, IUS chef, said.
Student are able to create their meal nutritiously or slightly unhealthy regarding their preference for an acceptable price at the Food Court.
The Food Court presents a build-your-own sandwich line complete with several vegetables, meats and breads. After creating your own sandwich, students are given the option to make it a meal by adding chips and a drink for a total of $4.
“With outside food you can get a larger variety, but the kitchen staff mix it up enough to keep the students happy and not bored with the same foods,” Tyler Shaver, general education junior, said.
Aside from the sandwiches, more health-conscious students are able to build a salad with fresh lettuces for either $1.95 or $3.50 cents depending on the size.
“I mainly eat the sandwiches and salads, both, in my opinion, are delicious and definitely a reasonable price.” Bryant said. “I like that the salad bar charges by container size instead of by the pound, and I like that you can build your own salad, sandwich or wrap. I also really like that they offer wraps because it is easier to eat on-the-go.”
“You are definitely getting high quality food and for a low price,” Vickie Hartman, associate director of Dining and Conference Services, said. “That’s what we strive to do is to provide a good quality meal for a reasonable price for our students. You don’t have to leave campus and we offer a lot of options, including a hot meal from the bar.”
Staff Writer
comckinl@imail.iu.edu