BY MELISSA BERTOSH

In print | February 2, 2006

Faced with rising costs of supplies, Essie Mae’s Snack Bar has recently implemented a $0.35 charge on plastic take-out food containers.

Despite mixed reviews from students, Essie Mae’s manager Gusti Ruhri explained that the charge was implemented with the students in mind. “By charging for take-out containers, we were able to keep the sandwich and other food prices the same,” she said. “Without the charge, we would not be able to offer chips and pickles with the sandwiches [for free]. Charging for the plastic containers was the lesser of two evils.”

Ruhri also pointed out that the most recent move is not the first time Essie Mae’s has charged for plastic containers. When Ruhri first became manager of Essie Mae’s about a year and a half ago, the snack bar charged for plastic containers.

If students are complaining, Gusti has heard none of it. “We have the plates and Saran wrap available,” she said, “so students have the option of avoiding the price.”

“It’s a bit of a pain, but there’s always the Saran wrap,” said Camila Leiva ’09.

Judy Browngoel ‘09 said the change was unnecessary. "They don’t lose business when people leave with their food, and they aren’t profiting from anybody staying there and eating," she said.

Justin Chen ‘08 made similar remarks. "We pay $40,000 in tuition per year, and the least we should be able to do is take our food safely outside Essie Mae’s without cost," he said.

However, Marissa Schaffer ‘09, said she is not greatly disturbed by the added cost. "It doesn’t bother me that much because I can balance my drink on top of the Saran wrap without it falling off as easily," she said.

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