Students say no to bland college food
University and college caterers need to do more to attract students to their food, a recent report suggests. The report reveals that students are turning their backs on campus cafeterias because they see the food as expensive and bland.
The Scolarest Eating on Campus Report 2003 claims use of university and college cafeterias has fallen from an average of five times a week in 1999 to three times a week this year. A third of students buy food from a supermarket or convenience store, with 29% using the campus cafeteria.
One in four students said they were unable to find what they liked to eat on campus and more than a third of students in London, the South and South-west complained that campus food was bland. Some 21% said there should be more ethnic dishes available.
About a fifth of students said they would rather have their traditional cafeteria replaced with a Continental-style coffee shop or café.
The average spend per student was £3.88. First-year students spent the most, £4.03, while postgraduates spent the least, £3.65. Students in London, the South and the South-west spent the most on their meals.
Almost 40% of students surveyed said they thought campus food was too expensive, especially those in Scotland and Northern Ireland, who typically set aside £2 a day for eating.
Carl Morris, marketing director education at Sodexho, said the report confirmed his own findings. He said the fact that students now have to take out loans for further education has made them increasingly price-conscious and value-conscious.
Russell Scandrett, director at Catering Alliance, which caters at 44 campuses, said the report offered a useful benchmark. His company has experienced a 40-45% take-up by students, partly by offering ethnic food and sometimes halal meat.
"Healthy eating is very important for students and we have expanded this with deli bars and by offering three or four veggie dishes," said Scandrett.
The Scolarest Eating on Campus Report 2003 is based on independent research conducted by JMA Marketing Research. It was conducted among 1,051 students and postgraduates in 45 universities and colleges across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scolarest is part of Compass Group.
* For copies of the report, e-mail penny.rolfe@compass-group.co.uk
By Rosalind Mullen
