“The chicken wings are really tasty,†one student exclaimed at a G.S.O. sponsored study that consisted of offering free snacks and food at the University Café. The study took place on a Wednesday afternoon and all graduate students interested in participating were welcome. Food items offered in the study included cheese sticks, cheese stuffed jalapeños, and chicken wings. According to one researcher, those involved with the project "thought it might take a while to interpret the data, but the findings are already in: Graduate students like free food." The study, dubbed “Meet and Greet,†was announced mostly via e-mail to Stony Brook graduate students earlier this week. By the start of the study, a rather sizable queue formed in little time. Eager faces in line were ready to try each of the finger foods. After passing through the food line, students carried small plates containing food toward designated seating. The study lasted three hours: From 5 pm to 8 pm. According to the University Café manager, Godfrey Palaia, approximately 50 kg of food was made available. By 7 pm, practically all the food had been distributed. Some students had to eat and run. However, others stayed to enjoy each other’s company and the nice spring weather on the café patio. When asked why he opted to take part in the study, one student observed, “It’s free food, isn’t it?†Wednesday’s study was the third conducted by GSO this past academic year. The first study was held at the start of the fall semester, in September 2005. The second was held later that semester: around November. In both prior studies, it was found that the food offered was well received and the entire food supply was distributed by the end of that day’s study. When asked if GSO had plans to continue the studies next year, GSO executive, Anirban Dutta said, “hell yes!â€
By Shawn Pottorf
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