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Tony Benn on why politics sends him to sleep j
Students refuse to stomach 'misleading' University food vouchers scheme By CLARE HAMILTON-EDDY, CHIEF NEWS REPORTER
Attempts to make students part with large sums of cash In return for food vouchers have been condemned by the Union as flawed and misleading. UEA food chiefs sent out leaflets to freshers over the summer asking for £225 for a term 's worth of noshbefore even a morsel of Diner food had passed their lips. The Union are furious that students weren't given the chance to sample meals from UEA eateries before stomaching the cost of a term's grub, and also dispute claims that the plan offers a varied diet. "I think that the scheme is fundamentally flawed," steamed Union Welfare. Officer Claire Kober. "If students don't like the food , they cannot get a refund - which is quite a flaw when you are talking about students laying out £225 for 82 meals," she complained.
Parents "If a students' parents have bought 'them in advance then there is not much they can do if they don't like the meals. They are stuck with over £200 worth of food vouchers that they don't want." And she also chewed up and spat out University claims that the voucher scheme ensured a balanced diet. "The opening hours of the Diner and other restaurants mean that, at the weekend, for example,
"The catering department at you can only eat in Breakers." But Jenny Grant, UEA's UEA provides a customer Director of Residences and focused service," claimed Mrs Services, defended the scheme, Grant. "Any student who feels that a insisting that students had asked or product is for it to be put on the menu. service "Over the years a small number unsatisfactory will be responded of students and parents have to appropriately." expressed interest in a scheme of Appetising this nature, and this year we have But many students have been in a position to respond ," · already decided they do not find said Mrs Grant. the deal appetising. "I think that the food in the Diner is terrible - it's tasteless. - UEA shortlisted for They present it with minimum medical school effort. I never go there any more," - Union House security complained Evi Kaimaki (LLT 4). And Maggie Smith (EAS 1) arrangements hit GSA agreed that the food is less than "lt is of benefit to students as it mouth-watering. "The portions are not enough helps them to budget, and could be useful when they are rushing and it doesn't look appetising. to complete an assignment or They need a better selection of revising for an exam," she added. food , with more healthy options," she said. Complaints Sarah Bailey (EAS 1) was even And she was adamant that any more blunt. "I think that this is just a student complaints would be looked into - although she scheme for the University to make money. lt's being done in the stopped short of offering a refund wrong way - they are taking to students left hungry by the money from students." deal.