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As students of the University of California system, we believe in the importance of having the freedom to make choices that best serve our individual needs, particularly when it comes to our health and finances. The current mandatory meal plans imposed across UC campuses do not provide the flexibility needed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions, especially for those who are gluten-intolerant, vegan, or have other specific dietary needs.
Research indicates that when individuals are empowered to choose their own meals, they tend to make healthier and more cost-effective decisions. A study by the American College Health Association reveals that students who prepare their own meals often experience better nutrition outcomes and save up to 20% on food expenses compared to those relying on institutional meal plans. For students with specific dietary requirements, the limited options within mandatory meal plans often necessitate spending extra money on off-campus alternatives, adding unnecessary financial strain.
UC Board of Regents, we call on you to recognize the diverse needs of the UC student body by making meal plans optional. This change would allow students across the UC system to take control of their dietary choices, leading to improved health outcomes and significant financial savings.
We urge you to listen to the voices of UC students and take action to support our right to choose.
Polls were recently taken of student opinion. Let them speak for themselves below.
As students of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), we believe in the importance of having the freedom to make choices that best serve our individual needs, particularly when it comes to our health and finances. The current mandatory meal plans imposed on students do not provide the flexibility needed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions, especially for those who are gluten-intolerant or vegan. Research indicates that when individuals are empowered to choose their own meals, they tend to make healthier and more cost-effective decisions. A study by the American College Health Association reveals that students who prepare their own meals often experience better nutrition outcomes and save up to 20% on food expenses compared to those relying on institutional meal plans. For students with specific dietary needs, the limited options within mandatory meal plans often necessitate spending extra money on off-campus alternatives, which adds unnecessary financial strain. Chancellor Larive, we call on you to recognize the diverse needs of the UCSC student body by making meal plans optional. This change would allow students to take control of their dietary choices, leading to improved health outcomes and significant financial savings. We urge you to listen to the voices of UCSC students and take action to support our right to choose.