The recent price hike at the TCS cafeteria, attributed to inflation by Servi Express, has sparked concerns among students and staff about affordability, with some questioning the impact on food quality.
The price increase was implemented at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and has struck conversations across campus, with some students choosing alternative food sources.
“The price increase is tied to inflation, and the rise in the cost of supplies from vendors. For instance, chocolate and ice cream prices have risen forcing us to adjust,” Bibiana Caro, cafeteria supervisor said.
Servi Express claims the price hikes were necessary, but students are frustrated as it strains their weekly budget, forcing them to adjust expenses and causing discontent.
“I think they’re horrible because they’re the same products, and each time they get more expensive,” Manuela Villa, customer and senior said
Despite the rising cost, Caro reported that the cafeteria sales have not dropped significantly, this demonstrating how dependent the TCS community has become on Servi Express.
“The students that buy are the same ones, but there’s an increase in underground sales. Students are selling brownies, gummies, and chocolates at cheaper prices because they don’t have the overhead we do, like rent or employee costs,” Caro said.
However, students have a different perspective on the frequency of their purchases in the cafeteria. It is also important to point out that additional to this there are two modalities by which students can be clients of Servi Express, a monthly subscription or a normal purchase.
“People are definitely buying less in the cafeteria. The prices are too high, and many students don’t have enough money to spend on food every day,” Villa said.
The price hike has led to an underground student market for cheaper snacks, as students prefer buying from peers rather than the cafeteria, despite the school allowing these sales.
“I don’t bring food from home, but I’ve started buying from other students. It’s more affordable, and honestly, the quality isn’t much different,” Villa said.
Servi express Acknowledged the challenge on outside sales but doesn’t seem comfortable with these entrepreneurship students handling it. But as the school year progresses, students hope there is change.
“Students who sell outside the cafeteria don’t follow the same health standards we do. They don’t need to worry about expiration dates or food safety regulations, which makes it easier for them to sell at lower prices,” Caro said.