Prices have recently increased between 4.5% and 6.5% on average across Emory University’s dining locations, falling in line with national inflation trends. Groceries themselves have become more expensive in Atlanta this year, with food prices having increased 5.5%, according to the Consumer Price Index.
Campus Life’s Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Sara Tanner attributed this spike in prices to inflation. She wrote in an email to the Wheel that price increases vary depending on the product.
The money students spend on dining plans and meals on campus contributes to utilities, staff, equipment maintenance and food costs, Tanner said.
At Kaldi’s Coffee, the items that remained on the menu between 2021 and 2023 saw an average price increase of 9.7% over the two year period. The price of Kaldi’s cold brewed iced coffee and avocado toast rose 22.3% and 21.7%, respectively, while the price of the breakfast burrito and steel cut oats remained the same.
Irene Chiao (25N) said she noticed Kaldi’s increased prices and is worried about affording the new costs. She sometimes packs meals from home as a result, which takes away time from studying.
“It’s kind of stressful,” Chiao said. “I feel like I have to work more at my job, pick up more shifts.”
Students have also noticed price increases at Cox Hall’s food court. Emory increased the food prices at Faraya, the Lebanese restaurant located inside Cox, by 3% compared to last year, Faraya worker David Hamen said.
Becca Frieden (26C) said she noticed that her meals at Maru, which is also located in Cox, have also been more expensive this year, causing her to run out of Dooley Dollars faster.
“I feel guilty adding more Dooley because then I just keep running through them,” Frieden said.
Despite student concerns, Tanner noted that the University has seen an increase in the number of dining visits across campus compared to this time last year.
Emory Dining is aiming to keep meals affordable for students while ensuring they remain high quality, Tanner said. She added that the Office of Financial Aid also factors the cost of food into financial aid packages.
“We will continue our efforts to provide students with the best possible dining experience,” Tanner wrote.
