Ryerson students are unsatisfied with the food options offered in residence.
The university recently converted all residence cafeterias from a pay-per-item system to an all-you-can-eat system, where students pay a fixed amount depending on the time of entry.
“I think the price is a little bit unreasonable,” said Anwyn Diakuw, a first-year student and Pitman Hall Resident. “I don’t eat enough to justify the price of the food.”
Students in residence have a choice between a 5-day or 7-day meal plan, which cost $3,900 or $5,300 respectively. The plan allows students to enter the cafeteria as many times as they want, but they must remain in the cafeteria to eat.
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“I don’t always want to eat in there, I’d rather go up to my room, or if I’m going to class, pick something up and go,” said Diya Chopra, a first-year student who also lives in Pitman.
Although the cafeteria does offer a take away option it must be requested by 12 p.m., two days before the date of the request, according to Ryan Doherty, Residence Life Facilitator for Pitman Hall.
“It’s hard for me to try and manage my busy schedule and think about what I want to eat for lunch two days beforehand,” said Diakuw.
As well, students have reported being served undercooked food by the cafeteria staff. Ryerson Eats, the company that manages food on campus, did not respond to a request for comment.
Chopra said that when the food is cooked well, “it often doesn’t taste the best.”
“There’s definitely a lack of options,” said Melissa Pasternak, a second-year student who lived in the International Living and Learning Center last year.
As a vegetarian, Pasternak often had trouble finding food that was nutritionally sustainable. “It was usually just several potato dishes,” she said.
“I did bring it up last year, but I didn’t receive any response or see any changes,” said Pasternak.
“Any questions or concerns are provided to the food services team to connect with the students to see if there is a way to resolve the issue,” said Valerie Bruce, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Administration.
While this may be the system in place, students don’t feel like anything is changing.
“It’s disappointing that we pay so much and get so little in return,” Chopra said.
“Overall, I’m unsatisfied.”
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