Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

There are no local food trucks on campus during lunch hours

• The who: The small local businesses in the Gainesville area.  
• The what: The school seems to have contracts with “big business”, for example Chick-fil-A, and this remove options for students. Students, who prefer a local entity and not a mass produced product.
• The why: “Big business” has managed control over student chooses, monopolizing what sells on campus. Therefore, students are left with options like deep-fried chicken or extra salted deep-fried potatoes, and five dollar cup of Starbucks coffee, while benefiting the schools profit but not student health.  

As most you already know, I’m from Miami, and right in the middle of our city we have FIU (Florida International University) and UM (University of Miami). These campuses both have a few main stream restaurants on campus or their a short walk off campus. Plus, a few food trucks, which means they have options. I have seen students line up at the food truck, which were managed by students and local small business. This gave student a wide price range to choose from. Now, those are options.

Interviews

• First subject- 
• How do you feel about our food availability on campus? 
• I really enjoy the diversity of restaurants. The food court at Reitz has a lot to pick from but the food sometimes sucks.
• When was the last time you had Chick-fill-A or Starbucks?  
• I don’t like fried food but it was right next to me when walking to class so I just had sandwich. No Starbucks for me, I don’t like American coffee. 
• What food options, if any, would you like to add to campus? 
• La Tendia Latina, I love their Mexican home cooking! 

• Second subject-
• How do you feel about our food availability on campus? 
• I wish there were more options, and that the people making it cared more. I had Moe’s and the rice was under-cooked and hard.
• When was the last time you had food on campus? 
• I don’t remember, I usually prep my own meals at home.
• What food options if any would you add to the campus? 
• I don’t really mind the options now, I don’t stay long enough on campus to really care about them.

• Third subject- 
• How do you feel about our food availability on campus? 
• I like it, back home there is no food on campuses except for a bakery, so this is a huge. I sometimes don’t know what to get.
• When was the last time you had food on campus?
• I just had Pollo Tropical.
• What food options if any would you add to the campus?
• Kebabs, Or a type of coffee other than Starbucks, like a local coffee shop!

• Fourth subject-
• How do you feel about our food availability on campus? 
• I am content with the food availability on campus. However, when I am studying late at night or on weekends it is not as easy to find healthy options.
• When was the last time you had Chick-fill-A or Starbucks?  
• I had chick-fil-a three days ago. To my convenience there are several locations around campus.
• What food options if any would you add to the campus? 
• I would add healthier fast food options such as green smoothies.

• Fifth subject-  
• How do you feel about our food availability on campus? 
• Overall, I am pleased with the amount of food available throughout campus. Most food places are walking distance from the libraries on campus which I enjoy.
• When was the last time you had Chick-fill-A or Starbucks?
• I don't really eat on campus, I take meal prep at home to save money. I'll occasionally buy coffee at Starbucks.
• What food options if any would you add to the campus? 
• I would add a Chipotle on campus cause the other location is out of my way when I’m at the hospital volunteering. I feel like their meals are very satisfying and the prices aren't too harsh on your wallet.

Summarizing 
When analyzing UF’s 2,000 acres of land you can clearly see that there is more than enough room for food trucks. Setting a small ground for trucks with picnic tables all around may give students a fun environment to eat. I understand that students struggle financially but lines at Starbucks never seem to end, so there is money to make. Now, all that is needed is to bring it elsewhere.