Where did the banana bread go? The Bellarmine Cafe made major changes as classes began and back-to-school festivities commenced. Students have certainly noticed a shift, but what exactly has changed?
This year, the Bellarmine Cafe reorganized the hot lunch, snack, and beverage selection. The top concern lions have raised surrounds the limited snack variety in the Lexington-run cafe. The decline in options is apparent. Evidently so, senior Micah Campbell says, “I have noticed that there’s a lot less of a selection.” When asked about their favorite snacks, students listed: mochi, sparkling ICE, protein bars, slims jims, and more — all of which have yet to return since last June.
Junior Agatha Pape is particularly concerned about nutritional value, “A lot of the pre-packaged goods have been switched to ones with little to no nutritional value.”
Despite Pape’s remarks, Willie London, the new Dean, emphasized the revamp to the hot lunches for a healthier appeal, saying “This year we tried to add more healthy choices.” London is especially cognizant of gluten and peanut allergies.
London has expressed openness to bringing student favorites back to the cafe. The Dean hopes to work through grievances, he said, “It’s very simple: just send me an email and then I can review it.” Although London is open to suggestions, there are a few non-negotiables: “We are trying to avoid drinks with caffeine.” While resistance to caffeinated beverages is understandable, caffeine-coffee can still be ordered in the cafe even though other caffeinated beverages are strictly outlawed. This policy is contradictory.
Despite a multitude of alterations to the lunch experience, one thing has remained constant—theft. Assistant manager of the Lexington, Tracy (first name), said, “Theft is still an issue here.” While staff and faculty try their best to monitor, many offenses are left unchecked.
The students have spoken and await the days when their favorite chips, ice creams, and beverages will return. But in order to see change, students must speak up. While it is still unclear where exactly the banana bread went, the call to action for students is unequivocal.
