Is the food worth it?

Kwantlen journalism students investigate to see if the food we pay for at Sodexo is worth the price.

By Sarine Gulerian

The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Richmond campus cafeteria faces some critics regarding their pricing when compared to the quality of the food offered.

First-year journalism students were sent to the cafeteria to compare the quality of food versus the price and to better understand of the opinions of the student body regarding the pricing issue compared to quality.

It’s the things like a $2 bottle of water and a $1.45 piece of toast that are discouraging students who purchase their meals and drinks from the school.

It’s no surprise that some students aren’t willing to pay $2.20 for a container of Mr. Noodles when they are available for 99 cents at grocery a store across the street.

Most students who are already on a low budget appear to be displeased with the cafeteria prices although the food itself “has gotten better from last year,” said general science student Sara Hashmi, 19, “But the prices are still ridiculous.”

Even staff members such as interior design coordinator Lucie Gagni, 55, had something to say regarding the escalated prices.

“It’s not always convenient to bring food… but I eat there as little as I can.”

Jodie Lei, an optimistic engineering student said that she doesn’t mind that the prices may be “a little bit expensive…because at least it’s warm.”

A number of students agreed that there is a good variety of food offered on the campus and that it’s more convenient to buy a $7 sandwich downstairs rather than run across the street to the Subway sandwich store and purchase one for $4.

But when it’s snowing outside and there is only 15 minutes in-between classes, students don’t have the luxury of time to run to the Lansdowne Mall to purchase a Fresh Slice Pizza but there is the convenience of running downstairs and grabbing a $7 pizza special.