As many of us know (or can easily infer), Berrien Springs is a bit of a food desert. Food deserts, broadly, are areas where individuals have limited access to healthy, affordable food options. Given the high prices of Apple Valley and the distance to Hardings, university students without reliable car access are primarily expected to rely on the Andrews University Cafeteria and Gazebo.
However, on-campus food isn't cheap. Students have observed that the prices rise substantially every year, although the portion sizes at the Gazebo and the buffet-style structure of the cafeteria remain the same.
“I remember when I first came to the university, eating in at the cafeteria was $10 and taking out was $11—and now it is $13 and $14,” said Yoel Kim (senior, physics and math). “There is no way that there has been a 30% inflation in the economy since then. It sort of seems like there has been an emphasis on profit instead of service.”
In 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the meal plan was set at $1,900 per semester, with dine-in prices set at $10 and take-out at $11. In 2023-2024, meal plans were adjusted to $2,283 with dine-in prices increasing by almost two dollars at $11.75, and take-out at $12.75. This year, dine-in prices are $12.93 and take-out $13.93 and a meal plan of $2,489 or an adjusted meal plan of $2,789.
“Since I came here as a student,” said Chris Ngugi (senior, psychology and Spanish), “I've noticed the prices rise year after year. Unfortunately, while I would like to do something about that, there are no options, which can make someone feel stuck and trapped.”
The amount of money set up in the student cafeteria account has consistently been able to cover 1.7 dine-in meals per day, and even fewer meals when factoring in take-out or Gazebo meals, which are offered at higher costs. This isn’t consistent with the information provided in the Andrews student handbook—namely that the meal plan covers “approximately two meals and one snack per day for most students.”
Additionally, prices at the Gazebo seem to be grossly overinflated. Clif Bars costs $4.19 at the Gazebo, while prices off-campus range from $1.50 to $2.50. Another example is Kind Bars, which are priced at $4.09 in the Gazebo, while off-campus prices range from $1 to $2.50.
The current cafeteria system also creates an imbalance in food access near the end of the semester—given that all dorm students under the age of 22 are required to have a minimum cafeteria balance of $2,511 per semester (or roughly 2 meals a day); people who do not eat as much or who “graze” throughout the day are forced to pay for meals that they don't eat, while others don't have enough to eat.
“My main complaint is that the cafeteria account is too much money—so I have to spend it on the expensive things at the Gazebo,” said Mo (freshman, political science). “Like, a ramen noodle costs three times as much as it does in the Asian market. If I didn't have to have a student account, I imagine I would be really mad about it.”
Others face the opposite problem.
“I always run out of money near the semester because I guess I eat too frequently. The cafeteria prices are a bit high and my money runs out,” said Corinna Bevier (sophomore, English).
Finally, the all-you-can-eat structure does not fit the needs of all students—and may encourage unhealthy eating patterns.
“The cafeteria is expensive for sure,” said Lexie Dunham (senior, psychology). “I personally eat very little, but multiple times a day. The cafeteria does give a pretty good size, but if I go and I just want to eat salad or pizza, it is a little much. Like, I just paid $15 for a salad. I think the system could be better in terms of what people are going to eat. Maybe if people eat then they pay the $15, but if people pay just a little then $15 is a lot of money.”
Karl Bailey, professor of psychology, offered his perspective on the issue: “As a system, we've given up letting people make healthy choices. Tracey Mann argues that helping people make healthy choices is more important than weight loss diets. A lot of those decisions, however, rely on the structure of the environment—the cafeteria does two things that work against healthy choices: First, it's all you can eat. Second, the high prices make people feel like they need to eat a lot. The consequences are that people are making unhealthy food choices and we have a lot of food waste.”
Michelle Michalenko, the general manager of the Andrews Cafeteria, provided the following statement to the Student Movement:
“Any future meal price adjustments are at the discretion of Andrews University. We understand that access to affordable meals is important, and we are committed to supporting our campus community. To further assist those in need, Andrews University offers the Mana food insecurity program, led by Dean Faehner and located at University Towers. Dining Services proudly provides food for this program to ensure that no one on our campus goes without a meal.
If you know of anyone struggling or in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help and want to ensure everyone is cared for.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.