When you munch into your lunch, do you ever think. “why?!?” Do you ever think about why you chose to eat the meal in front of you?
Why do us students eat what we eat? If food can be considered a form of entertainment, were VCCCD students thoroughly entertained, or simply bored with their lunch’s performance?
Some students offered their opinion on their eating habits. MC Student Brooklin Nash, 17, an undeclared major, says that he eats a variety of things, because otherwise life would get boring fast.
“I don’t usually get a full meal on campus, but I’ll grab a Dr. Pepper, goldfish, chips, or something from the cafeteria every so often.” Nash has advice for newer students. “Don’t get the pizza.”
Another Moorpark student, Ryon Flack, undeclared major, does not eat at the campus cafeteria that often as he believes that it is as expensive as food at theme parks, and in his opinion, Moorpark is not a theme park. “It has the same economic ideas: to make money off of people. Books are a big one and food is another.”
Daniel Sakaida, a 20-year-old Political Science major at MC, prefers to eat at the Costco Food Court when on the run after classes.
“Two bucks or less? Sounds good to me.” It appears as if there is a trend towards students eating where it is most convenient to them.
How about the VC cafeteria? History major, Arlin Edmondson has found that the Selection at the VC cafeteria is “decent.”
“I think it’s moderately healthy. I’m pretty sure they use romaine lettuce and not junk iceberg lettuce.”
Edmondson, 19, said that, additionally, Urban Cafe nearby “is really good.”
However, Jennifer Lyke, 19, a nursing major, begs to differ. “No, it’s all junk. I went there once and have no desire to go back,” said Lyke.
Jeff Valentine, 19, a Radiology student of MC, has not gone out to lunch as much in today’s economy.
“I bring my own lunch most of the time—its too expensive to eat out now days.” However, Valentine, 19, does have a favorite eatery nearby, Lucky’s Dog House. “It’s a good little secret of Moorpark.”
Interestingly, the prices at the three VCCCD campus cafeterias are not all the same. While a slice of pizza costs $3.25 at VC and MC, it was 25 cents cheaper at OC.
MC Student Health Center Director Sharon Manakas has found a trend of more students seeking healthier foods.
“Students want to eat healthy at a fast pace. From our perspective, we see an increased number of students coming wanting to know how to eat healthier foods,” said Manakas.
Manakas has found that although students want to eat healthy, they are usually impeded by the high cost of these foods. Manakas recommends that students should shop at a health food store such as Fresh and Easy in order to obtain healthy food items at lower prices, for lunch.
The Student Health center can help students wanting to improve their eating habits, according to Manakas.
“Our job is to let them learn how to have a good and healthy meal on the go.” In order to help students with this predicament, Manakas said that the Health Center will be offering personal nutrition appointments starting in Mid-February. Students may contact the Health Center (805) 378-1413 for details.
Moorpark College Food Service Operator, Dave Stone has worked at the cafeteria on campus since 2001 and he had a great deal of insight concerning students eating habits.
“Believe it or not, we sell a lot of vegan sandwiches.” Stone has noticed some ongoing trends. “The things that you think would sell well, don’t.”
There also has been a trend among students towards healthier foods such as baked potato chips. Stone has been asked quite often whether the tuna sold by the cafeteria was dolphin safe.
“Kids are more health conscious these days,” said Stone. “We sell a lot of fruit cups, especially those with mangoes.”
Another cafeteria trend is students choosing bottled drinks over the usual fountain soda fare.
“Naked juice is expensive, and I can’t believe how many are bought by students,” said Stone.
However, more students being health-conscious does not mean that they do not splurge on their caloric intake once in a while.
“19-year-olds still have their pizza and Philly cheese-steak,” said Stone. Oddly enough, Goldfish crackers are still popular among students. Why?
“Most in this demographic were served Goldfish in grade school,” said Stone. Stone believes that the current generation, is much more courteous, collaborative, and more health conscious than previous generations. “They may live to 110!”
Stone may be right about our generation. Who knows, with our healthy living habits, many of us may very well live to see the 22nd century! We will be in our flying cars as our descendants have troubles with Webstar version 87.4!