COG prices increase for first time in two years

Freshmen are not the only ones with reason to be bewildered by meal plans. In addition to the elimination of Zag Passes and restructured dining plans, returning students are facing some unexpected changes to the cost of dining at the COG, and many are not happy about the surprise price hike.

"I felt screwed," said sophomore Thomas Bryan. "When I looked [at meal plan options] in August, it was cheaper to use Bulldog Bucks to buy meals than to pay for a plan.  Now, it's not."

Fellow sophomore Jamie Haddock had a similar experience. "I don't have a meal plan, just Bulldog Bucks. I expected [Sodexo] to post price changes on their website before they raised them.  I am going to have to eat at SubCo for the rest of the year."

Bryan had other plans.  

"It's about $400 more to eat at the COG now," Bryan said. "So I have to spend more money on groceries and consult with my financial provider [his mother]."

This is not likely to be a negligible expense. According to data released in 2007 by the USDA, the average person spends about $112.25 a month on groceries. Factor in inflation and that number rises to $132.27.  

Though students may not have been expecting the change, Sodexo General Manager Charles Wesley said higher prices are just part of the food industry.  

"Price increases occur every year based on inflation in food prices," Wesley said.  "The cash prices for COG meals haven't changed in two years.  So it was time."  

Students who still feel cheated might look to the improvements, both dramatic and subtle, the COG has undergone in recent months as a way to justify its increased expenditures. "We spend $25,000 a year on china and silverware, and more on replacement costs," Wesley said. "This year we spent a little bit more — you may have noticed the upgraded silver and china."

While the COG's "scoopier" spoons, heftier forks, gleaming knives and bright, shiny new dishes are worthy of admiration, discontent remains among students who are not looking forward to forcing a college student's budget to accommodate grocery expenses. Still, some remain hopeful that this challenge can be overcome.  

"I thought it was going to be awesome," said Bryan.  "But at least Marian [Hall] has a kitchen."