Meal Options

I feel that Concordia University of Wisconsin has a great meal plan. There are very few complaints about meal plan options and the food isn't too bad either. Also, Concordia has three different locations on campus in which meal swipes can be used. The problem is that there is no consistency between these three locations.

It is nice to be able to use a meal swipe at all food locations of Concordia. Unfortunately, these locations are extremely inconsistent with the food given for each swipe. For example, a student can use a swipe in the cafeteria. Here there is a main line that often serves some form of meat or pasta, vegetables, bread, and potatoes. There is also the option of fries and pizza. Don't forget about the mongolian wok section. Then there is the sandwich line with meats, cheeses, and vegetables on either a sandwich, pita or wrap. Also, there is "flash in the pan" where students can design their own pasta/noodle entre. Next, you can head over to the nacho bar, or fruit and salad bar. Just about any beverage from milk, to juice, to soda, to coffee is also served in the cafeteria. Finally, there are deserts and soft serve icecream. Once a student swipes in, they can eat as much of this as they want, for as long as they want.

All of that sounds like a great deal. All you can eat for just one meal swipe. Another location for food on campus is the "Falcon's nest." Here students can use meal swipes as if they are at a fast food joint to get something like a burger, popcorn chicken, grilled cheese, or a burrito. This also comes with a side and a drink. The problem here is that students don't really have a wide variety of drinks. They are forced to get some sort of unhealthy soft drink. The last option for food on campus is the BBC (Books, Bagels, and Coffee). Hear is where the meal swipe really loses its consistency. For one meal swipe, a student can get one item from the bakery and a small drink. How does a cookie and 12 ounces of milk compare to "all you can eat" at the cafeteria?

Concordia does have a great variety for students to choose from when it comes to meals, but these meals are inconsistent. It is extremely beneficial for students to get more for their money in the cafeteria, but this isn't always easy. It would be nice if the BBC offered a "meal size" portion for a meal swipe. Also, the "Falcon's Nest" shouldn't force students to choose a soda or a sugary lemonade as a drink with a meal. Wider and healthier options must be considered for meals at CUW.