LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A new affordable dining option is available for students at the University of Kentucky. The move comes less than a week after students protested about the high cost of living on campus.
“I’m definitely going to be here, probably every day,” said Chiedu Afam, a UK sophomore.
For students, the appeal is the price: $1 for a meal. The new dining option comes after a recent hunger strike by students with the campus’ Basic Needs Campaign. The campaign asked administrators to address the issues of housing and food insecurities on campus.
The new place to eat was not one of their direct requests, but organizers said that they’re happy with the result.
“This seems like something that students will really be able to take advantage of. A $1 meal is a real solution for students who can’t pay for food,” said Basic Needs Campaign organizer Beau Revlett. “I feel like we’re taking really strong first steps and there needs to be continued accountability to make sure that this is an issue that we don’t just forget about.”
“I know a lot of student leaders worked really, really hard to get their voices heard and to get the students’ voices heard so I think it’s phenomenal,” said UK senior Veronica Scott.
Meals at the new One Community Cafe are available to any person with a UK student ID.
“That’s the simplicity of this. You come in, you pay a dollar. Nobody has to say you’re food insecure,” said Resident District Manager for UK Dining Pulkit Vigg.
The cafe is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday- Friday.
