Due to the increased amount of cafeteria food stolen, meal plan costs could rise next fall.
Even though students eat their fair share of food at the cafeteria, many also appear to think that they have the right to take extra for later.
“Constant stealing from the Caf continues to be a persistent problem, but within the last few weeks it’s gotten worse,” said Ned Price, director of campus dining.
Reasons are unknown, but theft tends to occur more once finals approach.
Many students think that they have a right to the food they’re stealing.
“We’re paying a lot for each meal and I know I don’t eat all seven dollars worth every time I go to the Caf,” said sophomore Jenna Gautille. “I believe that I’m justified in taking food from the Caf because one, we are paying nearly seven dollars for a meal and if the options in the caf are not appeasing to me at the moment, I think I should be able to take an apple or banana for later.”
Although taking an extra apple or banana may seem acceptable, students have quickly abused their rights and the amount of stolen food has increased.
“The other day we saw students walking out with a whole tub of ice cream,” Price said. “We catch people filling up milk jugs with beverages and stealing whole bags of cereal and whole bags of bread and bagels.”
However, it’s not just food that students are accused of stealing.
“People are snatching silverware, plates, and cups,” Price said.
According to him, the plates are valued at $4.75 and the cups are not cheap either.
“I’ve had to buy a whole new sets of dishware since the start of the year and that adds up,” Price said.
Cafeteria workers are on the lookout for theft and are not afraid to call someone out.
“We don’t like doing it because we understand where people are coming from but also, we’re trying to keep costs down for everyone,” Price said. “I have to report how much I spend and when it ends up being more due to increased theft, the money needs to come from somewhere.”
If “Caf-lifting” continues there may eventually be consequences.
Said Price: “We really don’t want to have to suspend people from the caf but if that’s what it comes down to then I guess we’ll have to.”
