Dear Filly,
I’m struggling to figure out what to do for food. I have a meal plan, but D-Hall food isn’t the best. I mean, everyone knows it by this point. Now, I have enough money to buy my own food, but it isn’t cost-effective to eat out all the time. I’m not really sure what to buy or where to buy it. Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Starving Student
Dear
Starving Student,
What you’re experiencing is a common issue among college students. Several studies have shown that food insecurity is a major problem among students, and getting proper nutrition is a problem even for students who have access to meal plans.
For starters, cut back on eating out as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Taco Bell or a frappuccino every now and then, but it’s important to focus on saving money.
The biggest cost saver? Learn to cook. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but knowing how to make food for yourself will save you a lot of money. No, Ramen doesn’t count.
A favorite of mine is to cook a box of Pasta-Roni (about a dollar at Wal-Mart) and cook some chicken (fairly inexpensive) or shrimp (a little pricey but better if frozen) and some vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers or onions to go in it.
The internet is full of websites that cater to people cooking on a budget, and you can find lots of recipes there. There’s nothing wrong with some ramen or potato chips sometimes, but eating well will help you save money and take care of your body.
Sincerely,
Filly
