The cafeteria is home to many students and staff at Kentucky Wesleyan College. With any small school, the number of places to eat are limited, especially with your student meal plan. Not only is the number of places to eat limited, but also the cafeteria itself is limited in its overall food selection. For those of you who eat at the cafeteria, I conducted a little survey. This was by no means a valid statistical random survey, but it was random from the standpoint that I surveyed multiple people, including students who were friends of mine and students whom I did not know previously.

Here is a little more information about the survey conducted. The five questions asked about the cafeteria are listed below:

1. Why do you choose to eat at the cafeteria?
   1. It’s free
   2. No where else to eat
   3. Food is great
   4. Food isn’t great
   5. Other
2. If you could choose any type of food to have at the cafeteria what would it be?
   1. ­­­­­­­
3. Do you like the food the cafeteria serves?
   1. Yes
   2. No
   3. Sometimes
4. What is your favorite day to come to the cafeteria?
   1. Monday
   2. Tuesday
   3. Wednesday
   4. Thursday
   5. Friday
5. Should the cafeteria be open later at night?
   1. Yes
   2. No
   3. Other

Of the 70 surveys distributed, I received 30 surveys back. The results of the survey concluded that 70% percent of people said they ate at the cafeteria because it was free (Question 1). The most common answer for the type of food students would prefer to see was steak (Question 2). Also, 56% of people said yes they like the food the cafeteria serves (Question 3). The favorite day to visit the cafeteria is Tuesday (Question 4). Lastly, 90% of respondents would like the cafeteria to be open later in the evening (Question 5).

Now that the results have been tabulated, let’s get a closer look and see what we can do with the results. Our first question identified that most people eat at the cafeteria because it is free and that there are not many other options for students. The second question identified that students would like to see steak offered on the menu, and if it were, perhaps more students would buy meal plans. It was good to see that 56% of the students enjoyed the cafeteria’s food. This is important data because it says that more than half of the people enjoy the cafeteria. I would be more concerned if it were below 50%. This goes to show that the cafeteria does provide quality food and accommodates student needs. The results of the fourth question showed that students enjoy going to the cafeteria on Tuesdays. Why? Tuesday is known as Taco Tuesday. This shows us that students come on certain days because they know exactly what is being served and they like consistency. Lastly, the results of the fifth question showed a desire for the cafeteria to be open later each evening to accommodate the different schedules of students, including night classes and athletic practices and extra-curricular activities.

The cafeteria is a great place to get food and does its best to accommodate us students. The survey was intended to start the conversation regarding how people feel about the cafeteria in different areas. This survey was able to provide some input on what could be served in the cafeteria along with the desired hours of operation. Overall, this could be something to evaluate further with additional surveys in the future. If you have any suggestions, please contact me via email at brittanywe@kwc.edu.