The results are in: what UAA is saying about food availability on campus

The Northern Light conducted a campus-wide food survey to see how UAA students, faculty and staff felt about food options on campus, along with any improvements they wanted to see. A majority of those polled were not satisfied with the number of options available or the hours of operation at existing locations. Many students were also in favor of a bar on campus similar to what UAF offers.

Over a two week period, the survey received 47 respondents: 40 students, two faculty, two staff and three people who identified as a combination of the three options. 

Over 76 percent of respondents lived off campus and over 86 percent live in the Anchorage area. 85 percent of respondents did not have a meal plan, so food feedback on residence life dining options was limited. 

The most common places respondents went to find food was restaurants, coffee shops, and vending machines. Most respondents purchased food in the afternoons or mornings– unsurprising considering campus coffee shops and Subway close in the late afternoon. Lunch and snacks were the most common meals that people purchased on campus. 

When respondents were asked what the biggest problem with food on campus was, a few patterns emerged. Food on campus was often described as “repetitive” and “unhealthy,” and many respondents felt that there was not enough variety. 

66% of respondents reported being unsatisfied with the options for food on campus.

Individuals who spent time on west campus expressed their desire to see Cuddy Hall have food again. With no readily available food options anywhere in West campus, accessing food can be a drain on personal resources. 

One respondent wrote, “There are lots of students and staff on this side of campus who would love closer options. Most of our lunches and breaks are spent walking to the food/drink areas and not actually taking a break.”

The times that food locations were open were also cited as a problem. One student said that one of their classes runs later than Subway and Kaladi’s, and with no meal plan they’re left “very hungry” with no options after a three hour long class. 

74 percent of respondents were unsatisfied with hours of availability for existing food options on main campus. 

Subway existed as a contentious figure within the survey. It was one of the most popular locations where students bought food on campus, and was also the most popular result when students were asked their favorite place to eat on campus. However, many students also cited that only eating at Subway was monotonous, and Subway exists as one of the few dining options on campus. 

UAA does not currently have any locations that serve alcohol to students over 21. The Northern Light asked students if they would like to see an over-21 location on campus, similar to UAF’s bar The Pub. 65 percent of respondents said that they wanted to see that on campus, while 25 percent said they were unsure. 

The Northern Light brought these student concerns to UAA administrators, and their responses can be found in the next article.