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Over 40% of students come back, but food options aren’t keeping up
![American+River+College+students+Angelina+Dunn-Byrom+and+Ejley+McKenry+take+a+break+in+the+cafeteria.+%28Photo+by+Gina+Gangursky%29](https://www.arcurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20221031_Cafeteria-Patrons_GG-900x675.jpg)
American River College students Angelina Dunn Byrom and Ejulie McKenry take a break in the cafeteria. (Photo by Gina Gangulski)
“Food, fancy food, hot sausage, mustard…” is a song from the famous musical “Oliver!” to go. The current number of dining options on the American River College campus may not get students hooked on song like musical characters, but if you look closer, there are a few options.
From Steve’s Pizza to cafeteria ‘vending machine markets’, 5 Sips Coffee & Tea walk-up service, student-run bakery and Oak Café, students have several options, but availability is limited. I’m here.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 40% of students have returned to campus, but dining options aren’t as plentiful as during busy times.
Before the pandemic, students had far more food and drink options, according to Scott Crow, ARC’s director of communications.
“The foodservice landscape has changed dramatically since the pandemic. Fewer people are on campus on a daily basis, creating challenges for foodservice,” Crow said in an email to The Current. rice field.
There are currently four microwaves in the cafeteria that patrons can use to heat up their food. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase a pepperoni or cheese pizza from the new Steve’s Pizza.
Signs above vending machines and refrigerators shout “World Market,” “Vegetables,” “Grill,” “Soup,” and “Drinks.” It’s reminiscent of the cafeteria’s heyday, and may be a harbinger of a future where puns were meant. .
“We are evaluating options and considering many important factors. We are pleased to offer current options for Steve’s Pizza and 5 Sips Coffee, as well as the ‘Vending Market’ and its ‘Grab and Go’ options.” said Crow.
Angelina Dunn-Byrom and Ejley McKenry are both ARC students and cafeteria regulars. Dunn-Byrom visits the cafeteria on Thursdays when he’s on campus for class. She wanted to go to Oak Her Cafe, but she closed when she took her meal break.
“In cafeterias, [frozen] Pizza, Dr. Pepper, and lots of snacks,” Danbyrom said.
Ejley McKenry wants to add more meal options such as soups and salads in the cafeteria. For now, she likes to study while sipping a cool drink from a vendor in her lounge area near 5 Sips Coffee & Tea.
According to McKenry, 5 Sips roast is better than Starbucks coffee.
“Buy an iced coffee. [5 Sips] It’s better because it’s not mass-produced,” McKenry said.
The Campus Bakery and Oak Café are popular with the general public as well as the university community. The bakery is only open from 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays, and lines of sandwiches, quiches, and other student-made wares are often out the door and down the sidewalk.
ARC student Frances Petersen can be found at the cash register on Tuesdays serving eager patrons.
“Sandwiches are served at 11 a.m. The turkey sandwich is the most popular option with students, and the quiche is very popular with the general public,” says Petersen. “They order sliced quiche and whole quiche.
ARC student Michael Sullivan says he regularly buys sandwiches from Oak Cafe.
“It’s easy, quick – you can grab [a sandwich]”It’s convenient because I’m here every day anyway,” Sullivan said.
The Bakery and Oak Cafe are student-run through the ARC Hospitality Management Program, which provides training in food preparation and restaurant management.
Therefore, more culinary options are likely to become available as student activity on campus increases. sing about it
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