Opinion | Fast food, slow to arrive at Pitt

Constantly on the move, my dinners often consist of a slightly stale granola bar and an apple,  assuming I went grocery shopping that week. As a student, part-time employee and actively involved marketing major, food is often on my mind but never on my plate.

It was a privilege my first year to have unlimited swipes at the dining hall and never having to worry about where my next meal would come from. Now, after a long day of classes and then heading home to stress about homework, the last thing I want to do is cook. Yes, I can microwave a Stouffer’s lasagna or snack throughout the night, leaving crumbs scattered on my computer. But all my fellow students and I want is a quick, hot meal I can carry back home. 

Though Oakland offers numerous restaurants — an odd number just selling chicken or ingredients thrown in a bowl — they are often over $15 for a complete meal. This cost is impossible to afford on even a weekly basis. What Oakland is truly missing is the classic American fast food. Access to a Taco Bell $5 Classic Luxe Box or Wendy’s Biggie Bag are nowhere in reach without paying the cost to DoorDash. I know these are not the healthiest options, but cost is a major factor for students, and Oakland has fostered a culture of expense.

Students here want trendy staples, which is why the Arby’s went out and CAVA moved in. Pitt’s campus lacks affordable options many of us grew up on and can find in our hometowns. 

The neighborhood of Oakland is missing the classic American fast food chains that provide cheap eats in a split second. This type of service is something college students will eat up, whether it’s after a late night at the library or a quick snack in between classes. 

Every restaurant with a heavy student population knows they can charge a high amount and receive customers. I recognize the argument for inflation and economic changes, but it is evident that Oakland charges more. There is a ten-cent up-charge for McDonald’s medium fries here in Oakland in comparison to a store only five miles away in the suburbs. 

Both the grocery stores and restaurants know students have limited access and means, which raises a moral question — is it acceptable to charge college students more, knowing they already take on the heavy cost of tuition? Restaurants should consider offering discounts to students like how Walmart and UNiDays does. This would allow greater flexibility and ease stress from students.

In the end, the cost of food is higher in any city with a heavier population. Over three million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020 and over half of the student population eligible to receive SNAP benefits did not report. Students spent upwards of $600 a month on food. The cost and ability to obtain food here at Pitt is becoming more expensive.

College is already expensive, and campuses should be placing a higher emphasis on providing more affordable yet quality options for students who recognize the luxury of eating out but still need it for convenience. 

Sierra O’Neil is a junior marketing major who loves long walks, overpriced coffee and overanalyzing social media ads. A Pittsburgh native, she is always looking for new places to explore and companies to hire her as their new intern. Connect with Sierra by emailing her at sgo10@pitt.edu