Last Wednesday, March 23, students indulged in a plethora of free food as part of the Student Government Association's project to bring new meal vendors to campus. The event allowed students to sample food from a handful of prospective vendors, then complete a survey to show which vendor they preferred.

The new venues offered a variety of food, including Mexican, pizza and hamburgers. Despite the gloomy weather, students flocked to the quad for a taste.

"This [was] great, I wish we could have free food every week," said senior Bryan Flanagan.

The vendors that students sampled and voted on were: A&W, Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Pizza Familigia and Salsaritas.

According to the survey, Salsaritas was students' first choice, and was followed by KFC, A&W and Taco Bell; Pizza Hut and Pizza Famiglia tied.

"I really liked the Mexican food from Salsaritas. We already have pizza and hamburgers available on campus, so I hope it becomes an option," said freshman Kelly LaFrankie.

The goal for SGA was to allow students to have direct influence over the food venues that are brought to campus.

"We want to have lots of options for food on campus, so we will see what the students want and see what we can do," said Commuter Senator Mike Sanley. "We will try to bring as many venues as the students want and as many as we can afford."

In addition to survey results, other factors also affect which companies will be brought to SLU.

"We are looking for brands that compliment each other so that the customers have more options and a better variety," said Resident District Manager Fred Wencel.

The survey results will help SGA determine how many vendors will come to campus based on how often students anticipate eating at the new venues.

"Most students said that they would eat there one to four times a week, so that tells us how much business we can expect these new vendors to have," said Commuter Senator Taylor Bass. "Because of this, we are looking to get possibly five new vendors."

So far, SGA has a list of 10 possible vendors and is looking to bring as many vendors as possible to campus, a decision that is contingent on cost and where they will be located on campus.

Last night the food committee presented the commercial food vendor bill to the SGA. The bill proposes that "KFC and Pizza Hut be added to Fusz Food Court, replacing the West Pine Grill and The Wedge." Furthermore, the committee suggests that A&W be added to the Grand Market and that Salsarita replace Wackadoo's Grub and Brew. The bill also proposes that "Subway receive the required upgrade to serve hot subs" and that "Famiglia Pizzzeria be added as an option in Griesedieck cafeteria."

The bill was tabled until next week to allow the senators to talk to their constituents to ensure that the changes would be in the students' best interest. Currently, Subway comprises the largest amount of Fusz cafeteria revenue at 42 percent. It is followed by West Pine Grill (23 percent), Freshens (13 percent), Odyssey Café (9 percent), soda sales (8 percent) and The Wedge (5 percent).

Although many of the meal vendors would be an addition to SLU for the fall semester, there is an opportunity for one to arrive sooner.

"One of the pizza companies could probably open by the end of the semester. The rest of the vendors would hopefully arrive by the fall," said SGA President-elect Carrie Johns.

In addition to the new vendors coming to SLU, Grand Market will be home to a new cereal bar starting next Monday at the latest. The cereal bar will offer a wide variety of various cereal brands that can be purchased by the bowl.