Hot Food Options for WSUV Not Likely to Return Until Fall 2026 at the Earliest

In a recent Q&A forum with President Elizabeth Cantwell, one recommendation students provided was to offer more fresh food options on campus. A survey open to all students, staff and faculty regarding hot food on campus is due Friday, March 13, and asks for input on interest surrounding bringing back fresh, hot food options, as many find the Cafe to be overly priced and low in quality.

The survey comes as efforts continue to reinstate hot food on campus, a feature that was discontinued following the COVID pandemic. Current efforts to restore better food alternatives are led by Associate Professor Alexander Spradlin and Senior Director for Engagement and Well-being Eric Scott. 

Scott explained that the survey’s purpose is to quantify what many are already thinking. “there’s always assumptions that we need food; we need things on campus, and I think it is important to make sure that it’s grounded in data.”, Scott said. 

Conversely, Spradlin explained that he plans to use the data collected from the survey to write a report for WSUV administration that has two goals: to quantify the demand for it from students, staff and faculty, and to facilitate the process if admin decides to bring better alternatives back to campus.

Spradlin provided multiple examples of potential options, including bringing in franchises from the area or that are on other campuses already, or partnering with local farmers to get discounts on produce. Bluum Coffee, a coffee truck that has been on campus regularly, is also interested in a more permanent presence on campus, according to Spradlin.

While Scott stated he could not provide a timeline, he explained that some form of change, even a small one, would not be seen until Fall semester at the earliest. This is due to the funding already being set through the S&A process and an inability to use that funding for more fresh food options.

While there was an attempt to address both food insecurity and the lack of fresh, hot food on campus with a hot food pilot program by testing Vancouver Public school meal inclusion in the food pantry, Scot explained that inadvertently took away resources from those who were more in need of a Cougar Pantry.

Both of Scott’s and Spradlin’s final comments emphasized providing student-centered resources and meeting basic student needs.

“We know students are healthier when they’re in a community together. [They have] higher satisfaction with the university when they’re together, and food brings people together,” Scott said. “So if we can create opportunities, I think it makes sense that Student Affairs needs to be helping lead the way.”

“I’ll just reiterate that I really think it’s a critical service for the university,” Spradlin said. “I think it’s a golden opportunity and in my opinion, it would be an easy win for the administration to really boost morale and show that student centered commitment.”