This report was written by Hatchet reporter Ashley Larkin

Prices at the J Street Cafe and in Pelham Commons decreased 80 cents per pound this semester, a University official confirmed this week, bringing the total cost of a pound of food to $8.

Nancy Haaga, managing director of Campus Support Services, said the price change affects only weighted food costs – salad bar or hot bar items – and does not apply to the other food options at either venue.

Haaga said the decrease in pricing at the two Sodexo-run venues was the result of recent student feedback, much of which has been unfavorable toward the high prices. Sodexo has an exclusive catering contract at both dining venues on campus.

“Price is an issue that students have indicated as an area of concern,” Haaga, said. “We’ve worked with Sodexo over the past several months to address this concern.”

The Dining Services Commission – a student-run group that aims to improve on-campus dining – has brought up lowering prices during its monthly meetings with representatives from both the University and Sodexo.

“This has been a work in progress throughout the year,” DSC Chair Ben Leighton said. “I believe that this change will improve satisfaction with the student body.”

Leighton said the DSC has been working this year to try to improve the dining experience at J Street. New prepackaged fruit options are now available, and a larger variety of soups and desserts.

Despite these additions, sophomore Isabel Parilis still feels there is room for improvement, and pointed to the planned opening this fall of a Whole Foods at The Avenue.

“When Whole Foods moves [in], they’re going to have to lower their prices or they won’t be able to compete,” Parilis said.