Not Buying It

Students react to food serviceNina HumphreyChronicle Senior Writer“I understand the need and want for the dining service on the Manhattan campus and we knew it was coming, but what we were told and what is actually happening are two very different scenarios”. Lashette Williams, SPA ChairpersonDoes this sound similar to what you’re feeling? After much work and negotiation students finally got what they had asked for…sort of. On September 4 the Manhattan campus received a much anticipated addition: food. The food service was going to be a helping hand to the students at NYIT. But how did the students feel now that their wish had been granted? Well, after talking to many students I found my answer. Some students feel that NYIT Manhattan may be better without one. Walking around the Student Activities Building it was not hard to find students willing to talk about the food service issue. Some students feel that the Student Activities building has turned into a disaster, cause more frustration good. It seems that there is a common feeling going around, especially from the upper classmen. They say it is overpriced, and too small of portioned. Sophomore David Sanchez, “I don’t feel like taking out a Stafford loan to purchase a miniature croissant.” Also, some students said that they still prefer Melissa’s, the deli on Broadway between 61st and 62nd,where NYIT students receive a discount on food.Not all students think that the food service is a regretful thing. The freshman I have talked to say that they don’t understand why it’s such a big deal that food service has taken the basement game spot and the first floor. Freshman Zain Siddiqui said, “I think the food is okay, I don’t see the big deal about space, but it’s something I won’t make a habit of eating. Too much money”. It seems a lot of students feel the same way. I have not walked into the Student Activities building once and witnessed a long food line. Actually, most of the people I have seen buy items are staff.So, why are students so upset about the restricted space? Lashette Williams, chairperson of the Student Programming Association,, said: “They have basically taken over our entire space. For the past two years SPA has bought and upgraded the basement game rooms, held numerous events on the first floor and in the second floor lounge. Also, the second floor lounge is where many student groups hold their meetings, including SPA and SGA”. Williams continued, describing how Food Services has already affected SPA’s programming. “I think I speak for all the members when I say that the Dining Service has hindered our ability to have events. We have not had any events yet this year due to the fact that for the 1st month of classes we did not know where we stood as far as space.”Jon Catapano, a junior, said, “I travel from my apartment in Brooklyn and yes, I could wait and eat at the school before class, but it’s not worth it to me. I just don’t feel right”. Many students feel this way. They are so upset; they can’t even bring themselves to eat there. David Sanchez met a lot of his friends in the game area and felt really betrayed when it was taken away without warning. “I think it should have been a student decision, they should have sent out surveys or something,” Sanchez said. When he was informed that some students were involved in meetings, he laughed and said, “Well, some is not all and did they even care what the students had to say, or did they go down to the game room and ask those students how they would feel about it”?So, what now? Some students say they should take the food out completely, that it was better as it was before. “I think that it would be better if they lower the price and gave up the basement space to the students again”, said Catapano.