Food Services Adjusts Offerings

By Mirette MisakIn a move aimed at better meeting the needs of students, NYIT Food Services has lowered prices for items in the Student Activities Building.The food service kiosk, which arrived on campus in early September, had been a target of much attention. Initially, a large number of students expressed unhappiness with the service, citing high food prices and a loss of lounge space. Pilar Visconti, the director of Food Services said she never received any complaints until reading an article in the October NYIT Chronicle. “Trying to provide a new and exciting service to the students that they never had before we were expecting a much warmer welcome,” Ms. Visconti said, adding “instead we ended up receiving a backlash from the student body. There were complaints about price- someone had to take out a student loan for a croissant, variety and space. This came as a complete shock to me, since it was never communicated that the students were unhappy. Instead I was receiving calls from both campuses asking if I read the article in the Chronicle.”Ms. Visconti stated that after hearing complaints about prices Food Services has been working hard to please everyone. During the semester, Ms. Visconti met with the leaders of the Student Government Association, the Student Programming Association, the NYIT Chronicle, and other students to answer any questions they had and to discuss better menu and pricing options to fit everyone’s budget.The results can be seen across the board. For example, the bottled soda prices were $1.38 and now are sold for $1.25. Dasani water went from $1.50 to $1.10, Vitamin Water $2.25 now $1.90. The original prices for sandwiches ranged from $5.75 to $5.50. Now all sandwiches are $4.75. Salads can be found for $4.95.In addition to the lowered prices, more items have been added the menu, including promotions that seem to be popular with students. “What could be better than two hot dogs and a soda for $3.00 when you’re starving?” says student BabaJide Kolade. Also popular on the menu is the pizza. “I love the pizza prices,” says another student, Rose Cruz. “I can’t even find those prices around my block in the Bronx, and it’s good”.When it was decided by the school administration that the Student Activities Building would close when Food Services closed at 7 p.m., Marcia, the supervisor of Food Services volunteered to stay longer. Thus Food Services was able to extend operation hours until 9 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays to accommodate students who have late night classes. In addition, a card management center machine has been installed on the first floor of the library near the copy machines where students, staff and faculty can put money on their ID cards. ID cards can then be used to purchase food items free of sales tax. These funds expire at the end of school year 2008 and can be renewed in 2009.