Rising food costs won’t impact residential dining

According to a recent estimate by the United Nations, world food prices have increased by 37 percent in the past year, and studies by The Economist found a 75 percent increase since 2005.

“The students will not be affected by any price increases until the summer or fall semester,” Orefice said. “We have not raised any of our selling prices since September. Dining Services raises prices generally after Commencement. We were fortunate enough to anticipate many of the increases this past year and budgeted accordingly.”

Next year, however, the University will make minor adjustments in student board charges, he said.

“We have incorporated increases into our board rates next year as well and have included these in the recently announced fee package,” Orefice said.

Among the increases in student fees that were approved by Princeton University Board of Trustees on Jan. 26 includes a board increase from $5,000 to $5,200. This 4 percent increase is not aligned with the more dramatic food price surge around the world, and the overall student fee increase approved for next year is still the lowest percentage increase in student fees since 2001.

Students said they understand the need for increased prices.

“The increase in prices is unfortunate,” said Ian Arnold ’11, a Wilson resident. “However, I understand that colleges everywhere are going through increases in board. The way that the University provides for us is adequate, so I do not hold it against them.”

He said he has not noticed any changes in the menu options recently.

Students were divided as to whether they would take increased costs into consideration when choosing where to dine as upperclassmen.

“I don’t think that’s going to have that much of a difference on where I decide to eat,” Ryan Dowd ’11 said when asked if the board prices would help him determine whether he stays in a residential college.

“If Princeton is willing to increase the financial aid they give out by $200, this increased price will not matter to me,” Bill Harvey ’10 said.

Harvey added that as a member of Charter Club, he was upset that the University did not make a greater effort to meet the club’s requested meal plan price. “I think it’s completely detestable that they’re not willing to negotiate prices in terms of the shared meal plans,” he said.

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The increase in student fees came alongside a 7 percent increase in the undergraduate scholarship budget, ensuring that Princeton students on financial aid will not feel the blow of these costs.

The increase in food prices will not affect Dining Services’ sustainability initiatives, Orefice said.

“We identified several items as a result of our sustainable initiative this past year and included this in our budget request,” he said.

According to a Dec. 6, 2007 story published in The Economist, these price surges are due in part to an increased demand for ethanol made from corn. This demand for corn increased the cost of soybeans as land usually allocated for soybeans was shifted to corn production. There has also been an increase in wheat prices due to a drought in Australia.