I, like many others, was taken aback when the Chipotle at San Diego State University (SDSU) closed. This closure left a void in our campus food options that we hope can be filled with a positive change. As students without access to personal transportation and limited time between classes, we rely heavily on the food outlets available on campus. However, the current options are predominantly fast food locations which do not promote healthy eating habits.

Panera Bread offers a variety of meals made with organic ingredients that would provide us with healthier alternatives. It is not just about replacing Chipotle but about diversifying our meal choices and promoting better nutrition among students. According to the American College Health Association, 39% of college students nationwide reported eating less than three servings of fruits and vegetables per day in 2018 (ACHA). Having Panera Bread on campus could help improve these statistics by providing easy access to nutritious meals.

We believe that SDSU should prioritize student health by offering diverse dining options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. By bringing Panera Bread onto our campus, SDSU can demonstrate its commitment towards fostering an environment conducive for healthy living.

We urge you to sign this petition if you agree that having a Panera Bread restaurant replace the recently closed Chipotle would benefit all students at SDSU by providing healthier meal options right here on our campus!