As a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, I find myself in a situation where I am forced to pay for meals that I often choose to forego due to their poor quality, especially at Riverview Cafe, known as Hilltop among students. This is not a solitary experience. Many of my fellow students share the sentiment that the food provided in the dining hall is subpar at best, making us pay for a service we are reluctant to use. This extends beyond mere taste and preference, the quality of the food tends to lean into unsafe territory. There has been countless pictures taken of maggots, dead bugs, mold, and large bones in the food. 

Statistical evidence suggests that proper nutrition greatly contributes to academic success (University Health Center, University of Georgia). College students need balanced, high-quality meals to perform optimally in their courses but, unfortunately, this need is not being met by the current catering services in our institution. We are at the risk of falling foul to unhealthy eating habits, resulting in lowered academic performance and long term health issues.

Although the food itself is not the only issue at hand. The staff are trying their absolute best, but wait times are extremely long, especially at peak times, and your employees are struggling to keep up. The coupled problem of undercooked, under-seasoned food with 30 minutes wait times makes the dining experience anything but enjoyable.

Therefore, we urge the university administration to take immediate measures. This includes conducting a comprehensive review of food services and implementing necessary changes to improve the quality of meals in the UWEC dining halls, primarily Riverview Cafe aka Hilltop. I'm certain many students would gladly volunteer their opinions and ideas to make our dining halls a better place. As students, we deserve better; we deserve the food that is worth what we pay for, helps us thrive academically, and contributes positively to our overall well-being.

Improving the quality of food on campus is not just about addressing dissatisfaction. It is about investing in the future generations who are part of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Take a stand for more satisfactory dining options on campus — please sign this petition to improve the dining experience on UWEC campus.