On July 24th, Bucknell University released their new streamlined meal plan options for the Fall 2020 semester. Whereas previously, students had the option of choosing between swipes and dining dollars, the new plans revolve around a # meals per week model. Due to COVID-19 the meal options at Bucknell this fall will be limited and prepackaged, with customizable meals and buffets gone. While this is better for the health and safety of our students, the new prices are not.

The previous minimum meal plan was 700 dining dollars a semester, with options for swipes or more dining dollars available at a higher cost. Dining dollar meal plans were a popular option amongst students with kitchens who prefer to cook their own food rather than spending money on overpriced campus meals. Students can put money into their campus dollar account which works at Giant and other local stores and restaurants. Campus dollars are not part of the meal plan so increased dining costs leave students with less money to spend on campus dollars. This reduces their flexibility to buy groceries or utilize alternative eating options. The cheapest meal plan option for this fall consists of 7 meals per week and costs $1400 per semester. This is DOUBLE the previous minimum plan. Those that choose the new $1400 plan will still only receive one meal per day that they must then supplement with their own money. Meals do not roll over into the next week and reset every Monday. This means that students lose their money if they do not take full advantage of this plan and cannot strategically time their meals throughout the semester.

Food insecurity has long been a present issue on Bucknell’s campus. Forcing students into a minimum meal plan that is twice the cost without providing more food represents a drastic increase in food pricing as well as creates barriers to obtaining healthy, cost-effective meals. If a student wants 19 meals per week (2-3 meals per day) and $200 dining dollars they must shell out $2,750, very similar to the cost of the former “unlimited” plan which gave students unlimited swipes into the cafeteria and $300 dining dollars.

Students cannot be expected to perform academically if there is an inability to access nourishing and healthy food. While this change affects many students, it is particularly harmful to certain groups. Those with dietary restrictions or diet-related medical concerns will be limited. There will be one vegetarian or gluten-free option per meal, which is not guaranteed to meet their specific needs. Additionally, food insecurity has been shown to disproportionately affect marginalized groups on college campuses, and Bucknell is no different. An April 2018 study shows that "47 percent of Black students and 42 percent of Hispanic students at 4-year institutions experience food insecurity compared to 30 percent of their White peers. The study also shows that 46 percent of Pell Grant recipients at 4-year institutions experience food insecurity" (Civilrights.org). By abruptly increasing the meal plan less than a month before school starts, Bucknell ignores the effects this decision will have on marginalized students. It also shows a disregard for the many student voices that were voicing concerns and advocating for less expensive, opt-out meal plans prior to this new decision 

Sign this petition to show Bucknell that their new meal plan is unacceptable in the current global climate. As students grapple with the emotional and financial effects of a global pandemic, they should not also have to stress about finding food while at school. With the presence of COVID-19 and the need to mitigate its spread, students may face the loss of on-campus or off-campus jobs as well as family financial struggles. Enforcing an increased minimum for the meal plan will only serve to increase food insecurity on campus and the timing of the announcement gives students little time to adjust to what may be a significant financial burden for them. Students should be allowed the flexibility to choose a cheaper meal plan or opt out of these extremely priced plans.

In addition, we ask for an update on what Bucknell is planning to do to support students suffering from food insecurity this semester, including their plans for the food pantry that has historically been housed on the second floor of the ELC.

-Isabelle Law & Allison Bergeron

Source: 

https://civilrights.org/edfund/resource/we-need-to-address-food-insecurity-for-college-students-in-america/#:~:text=Food%20insecurity%20on%20college%20campuses%20disproportionately%20impacts%20students%20of%20color,percent%20of%20their%20White%20peers