By Jasmin Shirley
Finally, after years of frustrating delays, the doors to the York College cafeteria swung open. For so long, the campus had felt incomplete, a temporary stop with no true heart. But this semester, the cafeteria was beating with the energy of a thousand shared meals.
Last March brought only disappointment. Students had returned to the spring semester with their hopes for a new dining hall dashed against the reality of empty promises. They had waited patiently for the cafeteria to open and had to find food in unpredictable weather just for a burger from a Mcdonald’s or a sandwich from a nearby deli.
The refurbished student lounge, while a nice gesture with its sleek new furniture, felt like a consolation prize. It was a comfortable place to sit, but you still had to leave to find something to eat. The memory of the microwaves, a small but appreciated convenience from the past, made the current situation all the more frustrating.
But on Sept. 17 all that was in the past. Students, faculty and staff streamed in admiring the new menu which includes burgers, fries, philly cheesesteak, patty, empanadas, oatmeal, bagel, bacon-egg-and-cheese and so much more to come. Many students appreciate its hours, which are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The three dedicated staff members are often praised for their friendly service and hard workers.
Student Feedback and Suggestions:
Students were quick to share their thoughts on the new space and food options.
Zihao Li, a sophomore in Health Science, voiced a common concern. “It would be great if there were a nutrition label for each food sold, and calorie content on the menu,” he suggested.
Similarly, Carla Lanys, a senior in Political Science, explained her personal challenges. “To my knowledge, the cafeteria does not offer a list of ingredients for each food item. Unfortunately, I have a few dietary restrictions, so going forward, I’d like to know what’s in the food I’m eating.”
This was echoed by Ria Paul, a junior also in Political Science, who noted, “The cafeteria is pretty good; they have more options, like for students who can’t eat meat, a California Veggie Burger. It would be better if there were nutritional information for the cooked foods.”
In addition to health-related requests, students had ideas for expanding the menu. Muhammad Ibrahim, a sophomore in Pharmaceutical Science, expressed his appreciation for the new lounge, calling it a “much-needed upgrade.” He then added, “I think an option for perhaps halal food for the Muslim students at York would be a good addition for us, and maybe even adding more food options.”
With a new seating lounge and a hot-stove kitchen, York’s new cafeteria offers a better variety of food and has a design that has amazed many students.
