Typically a student at Mesa College has an academic schedule that leaves little room for distraction.  The library is a hot spot for time spent out of class, the next spot is the cafeteria located on campus.  Oftentimes, famished and crunched for time the busy student cannot afford the time to brave the walk through the parking lot, relinquish their parking space and drive out to eat at a specific place of choice.

The campus cafeteria is supposed to be a happy middle for our staff and for the student body. However, why is that from semester to semester the menu has only dwindled down to tater tots and soup crust? Budget reforms have impacted the health choices, or lack of offered here on campus. The once fruitful cornucopia had offered sandwiches, salads, sushi, and delicious vegetable sides. Now, barren and dry, the line to the less than average burritos and fried assortments is made up of an even less enthused consumer.

The cafeteria area should be a commonplace set at a higher standard in order to cater to those who seek a higher education. An excellent option to entertain would be the use of a co-op system. If we had a garden on campus that would allow us to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the cafeteria tables perhaps a sense of community would evolve. Students would be interactive with one another and with their own food supply.

By allowing a creative method for healthy food production, a healthy lifestyle would further benefit the student. With a stronger sense of community not only will students have something to strive for in the future, they would also have something to feel positive about throughout their daily lives. The student store is also not to be forgotten. The shelves are stocked to the brim with packaged snacks infused with artificial flavoring and coloring. Perhaps packaged almonds would be a conducive substitute.

Appropriately enough, an impact is over due for the overall well being of the student body. By serving food that has been sustainably produced, the service will not be limited to monetary profit, but it will be enhanced by community responsibility and involvement. A healthy diet is not only specific to a healthy body, it also relates to a healthy mind. After all is student success not the top priority for San Diego community colleges? Let us bring community back to college.