Barnard’s controversial new meal plan is now in effect, and some students—despite the administration’s efforts to address concerns—are not convinced it’s fair.
Previously, first-year students and upperclassmen living in Hewitt, a residence hall with mostly single rooms, were the only students required to be on a meal plan. But this school year, all students, including those who commute from off campus, will be required to buy a plan.
For Patricia Rodrigues, BC ’12 and a commuter, it’s a financial burden.
“I would much rather use the money spent on the requirement for transportation or other needs instead of having to sign up for one,” Rodrigues, who signed up for the default plan for commuters, wrote in an email. “I just really do not foresee myself using it as much.”
The possibility of a required meal plan was first leaked in December by Barnard Residential Life & Housing, but at the beginning of the spring semester, administrators said that nothing was definite. After assembling a task force of 12 students in February in response to student protests, administrators confirmed in March that the requirement would be implemented, with some alterations from the original proposal.
The revised requirement gives students more flexibility in terms of meal plan options. First-year students will still be required to purchase the unlimited meal plan, but upperclassmen living in Hewitt can choose a less expensive plan with fewer meals. All other students can choose from three meal plan options for $300 per semester.
“I personally don’t think the meal plan should be mandatory, because I’m living in a suite,” said Angelica Lopez, BC ’13, whose dorm includes a kitchen. “That’s an extra $600 or so that I have to pay up to Barnard.”
But not all students are upset with the new requirement.
Emerald Mitchell, BC ’12, said that given her busy schedule, it is convenient to have a meal plan.
“I live in Hewitt, so ... I don’t really mind,” Mitchell said. “It is expensive, but I’d probably spend more money buying my own groceries and trying to cook for myself than the total for Hewitt and my almost unlimited number of meals.”
Lara Avsar, BC ’11 and Student Government Association president, said she is hopeful that the transition this semester will be smooth.
“Because of the productive collaboration between students and the administration last spring, I am hoping that the meal plan will be easily accepted into Barnard life,” Avsar wrote in an email.
Last semester, SGA created the Food Advisory Board, a committee created specifically to discuss food and allergy-related issues on campus. Officials hope the committee will continue to help both the administration and SGA better gauge students’ needs and concerns.
“On the whole, SGA is committed to communicating any further frustrations about the meal plan from the student body to the administration,” Bridgit Donnelly, BC ’11 and SGA vice president, wrote in an email. “We hope that the new Food Advisory Board will act as a great way to solicit the opinions of students outside of SGA.”
Rachel Ferrari, BC ’13 and SGA representative for community affairs, said she plans to hold an open forum soon for students to voice their concerns.
For Rodrigues, though, the requirement seems to go against students’ right to choice.
“I just really think it should be optional, or at least the amount of money spent on it should be an option,” she said. “Everyone spends and eats differently. Forcing someone to [be on] a plan without thinking of the circumstances is a bit wrong.”
Barnard Dean Dorothy Denburg could not be reached for comment.
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