This semester, late meal at Frist Campus Center has incorporated more packaged snack options in response to student feedback and industry trends.
“We didn’t have the snacks [last year], like the nuts and candies,” said Yara Almoussa ’28. “There’s definitely a lot more options than last year, which is really nice to see.”
“Snack options are a result of information from industry trends that Campus Dining utilizes, along with feedback that has been provided by the students, staff and faculty members,” University spokesperson Ahmad Rizvi wrote in a statement to The Daily Princetonian.
Late meal is a big part of Princeton dining for students on a meal plan. For Almoussa, it acts as both a “meal replacement and as a snack supplier.”
“There are days when [I] stock up on my snacks, like pistachios [...] or I sometimes get my breakfast for the next day,” Almoussa added.
“Frist late meal is one of the best things at Princeton,” Kevin San ’29 said, “[and a] great place to meet up with friends.”
“I always go when I’m running late to a class for a quick bite,” Andres Ruiz Grijalva ’29 also told the ‘Prince.’ “I don’t want to waste so much time going to the dining hall.”
Expanded 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. lunch hours were introduced temporarily in 2023 during campus construction to offset limited dining access, but returned to the 2 p.m. start time at the start of the fall.
“I wish [news around reduced hours] came out sooner before we scheduled our classes, because I and many of my friends scheduled certain days around [late meals],” Almoussa said.
Lucy Chang ’29 said, “On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I can never really go to late meal during [lunch] because some of my classes completely overtake the entire period.”
Students have responded positively to the increased selection of packaged snack options in the menu. “Last year, I feel like the fridge didn’t have as much variety,” Almoussa said.
Chang said that she “appreciated when they added the entire rack of packaged candies.”
Student feedback and information from industry trends have also shaped other aspects of late meal, including the grill menu.
“The grill menu is extremely popular with the students, and offers various ‘specials’ to the students,” Rizvi wrote. “Some of these specials will change from semester to semester, to reflect industry trends, student feedback, and also, for example, various holidays that are recognized to have specific food choices.”
However, some students, including Ruiz, think the overall options available at late meal — including the grill menu — could be wider in range.
“I enjoy the food. I think it’s decent, I think it’s good, but I do think the options are a little bit limited,” Ruiz said. “It’s not like dining halls, where it changes way more [and] you have more options.”
“I would appreciate if they put more chip options because right now we have refrigerated grab-and-go options or candy,” Chang added.
While the limit for each late meal swipe increased from $10.25 in 2024 to $11.00 this year, students are still only able to take two packaged grab-and-go items. Ruiz said, “If I’m going to use a meal swipe, I want to eat food,” instead of a snack.
According to Rizvi, “Campus Dining is always looking for new and different options for the students, to meet the evolving needs of the Princeton [c]ommunity.”
Cherry Shin is a News contributor for the ‘Prince.’ She is from Orange County, Calif. and can be reached at cs7934[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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