Adam Bannister, Contributor

There are a handful of options available for students who want something to eat at NWACC, and that can be shown by the responses of 2023 spring semester students even as ReChargeU, NWACC’S vendor in the Student Center, was closing in April.

ReChargeU had its last day of business on April 14. The small convenience store associated with the textbook provider Barnes & Noble College, closed as the college’s contract with the textbook provider was ending. Student interview responses about food options during the 2022-23 academic year may be a good reference for what students would want from their next vendor.

Several NWACC students offered ideas and comments about current food choices and what future foods would be best. Alex Diaz, a music major at NWACC, said, “It’s decently good, it’s there whenever you need it.” Joshua Elizalde liked that the food offerings were readily available when ReChargeU was in operation. “Pretty good, quick snack I can get on the fly if I forgot to bring my lunch.” Student Warren Eidson said, “It depends on the vendors, but considering the circumstances I think we could be doing worse.” 

Throughout the academic year, several food trucks and trailers came to the Bentonville campus to provide other food options. The choices were more varied during the 2022 fall semester when the temperatures were warmer; the trucks included Takashimura Hibachi, Bondi Bowl, and Rockin’ Rackley’s.

Diaz said, “I enjoy the food; it was really good, but they were not as consistent this semester as much as I would have wanted them to be. It was consistent the previous semester.”

 Elizalde did not go to the food trucks as often but noted, “They were near the campus between Burns Hall and the Student Center, which was convenient.” 

Eidson noted, “When they were available, I would go there on occasion; it brings a lot of good exposure; the money was a bit overpriced but that’s not NWACC’s fault, that’s the people that were hired.”

Prices at NWACC were discussed by two students and alternative places to eat were suggested.

 Diaz said, “They’re pretty decent, a little steeper but expected.” Eidson responded, “I think it just depends on what you’re buying,”

Sam’s Club, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, and Slims Chicken were mentioned as cheaper places to eat near campus.

Students offered different opinions about whether the services at NWACC provided healthy choices as well. Diaz responded, “They do, I don’t see if it’s a lot, but I know they definitely do have healthy options.” Eidson said he thinks that they tried but that most people did not want it, so it wasn’t as prominently stocked and sold.

The three students discussed eating habits and if they eat better on breaks or while attending classes. Diaz answered, “I ate a bit better on the break, but I am able to eat healthy during the semester as well.” Elizalde said he ate better during the semester, and Eidson responded, “I definitely eat better during the break because when I’m on campus and around town I’m exposed to a lot more fast food.”

Two of the students interviewed suggested factoring in being able to eat and having some downtime when mapping out their classes. 

Diaz said, “I do, I already have it in mind when I plan my schedule.” 

Eidson answered, “It’s completely possible; I had about an hour break between classes last semester, and it helped me have time to eat and time to rest, but I don’t think that most students realize they can do that because out of high school, they’re so used to that class-to-class formula.”

The students pondered if eating enough affects learning. Diaz said, “I think it does, there’s even studies that suggest it.” 

Elizalde responded, “Kind of. If I don’t get a quick bite, then it’s kind of distracting.” Eidson answered, “Yes and no, in most cases. I think you need to eat before classes, but it can be more of a hindrance.”