The opinion of Moorpark College students may be considered in the upcoming cafeteria renovations. Suggestion boxes are currently being placed in the current food court by the Associated Students that encourages students to write in their own opinions for the upcoming cafeteria changes.

“We want to be a priority in the final decision,” said Associated Students Vice-President Mayra Contreras. “We will give all the data to the committee, and they want that information. They want to hear the student’s voice.”

The new cafeteria committee will have their first meeting mid-Sept. to discuss changing the current Moorpark College cafeteria. According to Moorpark College President Bernard Luskin, the committee will assuredly take student opinions into consideration when making this change.

“My plan is to restore food services in a more appropriate way,” said Luskin. “I make every problem into an opportunity, and I look at this as an opportunity to bring Moorpark further into the twenty-first century.”

Whether or not the committee plans on bringing in third party vendors, private food vendors, or a food court has yet to be decided. However, Luskin does promise that a change to the current vending machine situation will occur.

“This is especially important to Moorpark College,” said Luskin. “This is a community of scholars with many being highly academic, studying a lot, and spending a lot of time on campus. Food service is really important.”

Currently, all of the Ventura County Community College District campuses are using a vending machine system in place of an actual cafeteria. Vice Chancellor of Business Services Brian Fahnestock was the first to look into this district-wide concern. In response, Fahnestock concluded that each campus will be responsible for their own replacement solution.

With a lack of variety and healthy food options, the current vending machine system has caused much discontent in the Moorpark College community.The offered suggestion boxes provide a chance for students to share their concerns in this matter.

“Honestly, not too happy,” said  19-year-old Moorpark College student Brian Hinich. “There could be a lot more. It would be nice if there was more variety, like fruit.”

Many students feel frustrated with the initial vending machine transition, as Moorpark had an operating cafeteria up until May 2012, due to budget cuts.

“Before the vending machines, you could order a nice sandwich with vegetables and now all I find is prepackaged, salty, and high in fat,“ said Moorpark College student Melissa Irani.

Luskin has stated that he plans to keep an open mind throughout this development. While his plan is to set up the process for a new cafeteria by spring 2015, no official date has been released. Until then students must rely on the vending machines as their source of nutrition.

To hear opinions fellow Moorpark Raiders have about the current vending-machine situation and the future of the Moorpark College cafeteria, listen to the Student Voice video below.