Courtney Spence
Contributing Writer
Dansbury Commons dining hall has increased their prices since the spring semester. The pervious pricing was $8.00 for those who did not have a dining hall pass. This semester, the price increased to $9.10 per meal.
With the $1.10 increase, Dansbury Commons has some new and exciting concepts being introduced this year. Students will be able to choose a variety of new options that will be offered this year. Elizabeth Richardson, Director of University Marketing and Communications, has shared some of the student concerns with her colleague Dr. Santiago Solis, Vice President of Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence.
Multiple changes are in progress. Not only will the students have larger meal selection, their parents can now be involved and chose “Treats from Home” to send their college child a fun sweet treat at their fingertips. Solis provided insight on some of the changes.
“Fresh bread program, a Mediterranean station as part of the salad bar, a wider variety of smoked meats, and ‘Treats from Home’ through catering – where families can place online orders to surprise their student on special occasions,” said Solis. “In addition, the POD – located in Dansbury Commons – has expanded its selection of items to better serve students’ convenience needs. In the University Center’s Center Court, we’ve brought back several ‘fan favorites’ to ensure students continue to enjoy the foods they love.”
This explains why students will not be getting incentives for staying with Danbury Commons and their meal plans. Compared to other local colleges near ESU, meal plans at ESU is the lowest and hopes to stay that way in the future.
ESU meal rates have increased not only due to inflation, but the quality of the food is improving as well.
“ESU has one of the lowest-cost meal plans in the PASSHE system. Meal rates are reviewed on an annual basis. Each year, ESU – in collaboration with Aramark, our food service provider – evaluates the overall cost of providing dining services, which includes factors such as food pricing, labor costs, utilities and general cost-of-living increases,” said Solis. “When these underlying expenses rise, meal rates may be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the program remains sustainable and continues to provide quality dining options for students.”
“Students here at ESU are already spending thousands of dollars each semester whether that’s due to dorming, classes or even books. Many of us are already living paycheck to paycheck just trying to get through college,” said commuter student Mia Corell. “While a simple dollar and ten cents seems like not a big difference to many, it is for struggling students. If nobody does anything to stop this change who’s to say it won’t keep going up, first ten dollars than fifteen and so on.”
Even though prices have changed, staff maintains that ESU students are of their best interest. With the new concepts being introduced this year, students will have a larger variety of options to choose from when dining in Dansbury Commons.