40 percent of students say cost keeps them from buying a meal plan: Survey

Though 40 percent of students cite cost as the foremost reason they don’t have a meal plan, colleges could win back that business by emphasizing service methods that appeal to the student demographic, suggests Datassential’s Topical Keynote Report on College & Universities.

The study—which surveyed over 1,000 students currently enrolled in U.S. colleges—revealed that build-your-own ranks high among students, as 74 percent of them say that service method is appealing. Sixty-nine percent of students want to order from a menu and have the food brought to their table, while 67 percent like the idea of all-you-can-eat dining or self-serve buffets.

The report also found that expense is an even higher concern for 55 percent of students at large schools, as those institutions typically offer a wider range of foods at a higher cost.

As reported recently by FSD, the price of meal plans at six state universities in Minnesota will increase nearly 11 percent next school year as student demand for vegan, locally-grown, organic and allergen-free options grows.

Foodservice operators can further capture students’ dollars through catering and retail opportunities, as well as by providing grab-and-go meal options and farmers markets that provide fresh food, says Datassential.