Just like your tuition, food prices are rising on campus.
The reasons behind the increase make sense. No one expects the university to be able to control inflation, and a higher minimum wage is good news for campus employees. On most items, students will only be losing a few more cents.
This wouldn’t be a problem if options on campus weren’t already so limited—but they are.
A 2013 report by the Ontario Association of Food Banks found a significant increase in students turning to food banks to eat. Carleton’s Food Centre co-ordinators have reported a 148 per cent increase in demand over the past two years.
Despite these figures, it appears the need for affordable food options is being met with more talk about freshness, sustainability, and local eating.
These are all noble causes. But what about the price?
Unlike the University of Ottawa, Carleton is an isolated campus with few alternatives to eating on campus.
Recent additions to the food court, including 101’s Grill and Spring Rolls, are on the more expensive end of campus food options.
The drive for quality is great, and we’re glad to banish the frozen cheeseburger and fries as the only option.
But it’s time for Carleton to focus on affordability too—because no students should have to choose between an empty belly and an empty wallet.
