By Paige Quiggins
In today’s economy, college students are usually strapped for cash. At the University of Louisville, under the new mandatory meal plan, we are now obligated to spend at least $175 per semester, as full-time non-residents. The main issue I have with this is the lack of available options at present. Eateries have been booming with business, to the point where students cannot wait in the lines without being late for class. Though we have received several new venues, we have not yet received the cafeteria. This is something we desperately need, to cut down on midday traffic at the eateries.
Every day, I sit back and think of which line will be the shortest, to grab a quick bite to eat between classes. I find myself in the same predicament each time; either I am nourished and late or on time with my stomach grumbling. Even if I have 45 minutes between classes, it is impossible to stand in line, get food, eat it and get to class. At times, the only feasible option is the vending machine.
Because I frequent these machines, I notice changes. One change of interest to me was the increase in prices which happened over the summer. When I returned to the vending machines for the first time this semester, I was shocked to find out the prices had increased on many products. I was annoyed enough when I had to pay 80 cents for Cheez-Its in the past, but I was just plain upset when I read the one dollar price tag. Is this inflation in the vending machines?
The answer I came up with was a bit unsettling. I am employed outside of school, and use the vending machines at work as well as school. Cheez-Its at work cost 50 cents. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that the same product costs twice as much on university property.
Every item in the machines–from candy bars to chewing gum–costs more on campus. Although some may call this penny-pinching, I think it is a big deal that we are literally paying double the amount of money for the exact product. At the grocery store, you can purchase an entire box of Cheez-Its for $3. If we are being forced to spend the money on the meal card, is it really fair for us to get ripped off in the vending machines as well? The economy is in a bad spot, but is it right to take it out on those of us who are likely the most in debt?
