Finally operating at full capacity, after last week’s in-house elections, the Student Government Association (SGA) has been particularly active in responding to questions that students have on campus. One of the most pervasive sources of aggravation from the student body has been the food on campus. Beginning with the closing of Elements, the cafe in the science complex, students have opened their eyes to the state of food services. The SGA has made this a prime concern for the upcoming year, creating a new ad-hoc committee which has the sole task of working with the administration to make food more accessible and appropriate for students.

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“This is a topic that’s been on everyone’s mind, especially those in the Science Building,” stated Safinaz Elhadary, the SGA’s Chief of Staff.

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Various members of the SGA stated that there have been very few cultural options offered by the food services on campus, and that this presents a unique challenge for students with particular diets. Elizabeth Malomo, head of the SGA’s Diversity committee, commented on the price of the food on campus as well, “we’re paying $7 for four pieces of chicken...it’s ridiculous.”

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The new committee, called Food Service Solutions, will “develop an approach to resume food service operations in the Science Complex and ensure that cultural options are prepared thoughtfully.” Although, the real reach of this committee is yet to be seen. John Jarecki, President of the SGA, has stated that the committee will become more “broad,” and represent students’ interests in many aspects related to the food services campaigns.

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“This year, the SGA has been working to represent you every day at meetings with faculty, but we need your help to make a difference,” John Jarecki wrote on the official Instagram of the SGA president, appealing to the student body. The suggestion boxes distributed around campus have given the SGA an opportunity to confront those issues closest to students’ hearts and improve living on campus.

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At their latest meeting, Behrend’s Chancellor Ralph Ford joined the members of the SGA and answered some of their questions. When confronted with the discontent at food prices and options he suggested that the SGA speak with Mike Lindner, director of Housing and Food Services. This redirection could give members of the new committee a more direct line into the administration and help ease the stress on Behrend students.