The Problem

As of right now, students who live on residence at UBCO are forced to take part in their mandatory meal plan which is priced at $5,498.48. In theory, this would not be the worst idea as it would provide students a quick and easy meal so that they have the liberty to focus more on studies and other activities. Sadly though, this isn't the case. In reality, UBCO's meal plan is a vicious scheme designed to milk thousands of dollars more out of students' wallets each term. 

Meals at Pritchard Dining Hall or cheap, unhealthy, and just outright bad. There are almost no options for students with dietary restrictions leaving them to eat the same meal each day or forcing them to spend even more money outside of campus. A vast majority of the menu at Pritchard is heavily bread-based and after one meal alone you feel quite ill and gross. the food there is extremely greasy and lacks many nutrients required for growing young adults. Staying healthy while eating at Pritchard is an immense challenge that not only requires time but a strong will to push through with eating their few "healthy" options day after day.

Other issues include their over-reliance on deep-fired and pasta-based meals, a lack of any seasoning in most meals, as well as an extremely lacking salad bar that is often ridden with many health problems of its own such as bugs in the salad and rotten vegetables. 

As for myself, I typically skip 1-2 meals a day as the food is just unbearable, and find myself still gaining weight which is a stark contrast to how things were at home. I have also spent well over 500$ this term alone on food off campus just so that have to deal with another meal at Pritchard that week. 

Good food is an essential aspect in properly functioning in our day to day lives. without a good meal we are subject to exhaustion, difficulty focusing, and a strong lack of motivation which then leaks into both our academic and social lives.

What we suggest UBCO should do

A: have a complete overhaul to the Pritchard dining hall by changing their menu to include a stronger meal diversity as well as more health options for students to choose from. A change in leadership in the kitchen via an experienced chef who can lead Pritchard staff in making good meals. And thirdly, finding a new vendor to provide produce, meat, bread, and dairy foods in order to meet the standard of "fresh produce, and locally- and sustainably-sourced ingredients" UBCO so heavily advertises on their site.

B: Allowing students living on campus to opt out of the meal plan or giving the option to return to the old meal plan which was used prior to the Pritchard's opening this year.

This is an extremely important issue to students at UBCO which has been Ignored far too long by the higher ups at UBCO, and with this petition, we are passing on the message that changes need to be implemented for the second term.