Cafeteria is service for students, staff by Jeffrey Stebbins The Ranger Online Reporter

Every day, the Amarillo College Washington Street cafeteria serves 400 to 500 meals to faculty and students.

Contrary to popular belief, the food service is not owned by the school but by Great Western Co. in Missouri. However, AC pays for the cafeteria's utilities and equipment.

AC does not make a profit from the sales, said Neil Moseley, vice president for business affairs. "It's actually a service that we're providing for the students and staff," Moseley said.

Although the cafeteria does not make money, AC is able to keep the prices down, said Hope Sifuentes, food service director. "I worked at A&M at College Station, and the prices are cheaper here," Sifuentes said.

"I like the prices," said Carol Lloyd, a business major. "They're not bad at all."

Daniel Keith, a general studies major, said he thinks he gets his money's worth.

"It's very convenient, because I don't always have time to go home," he said.

The cafeteria tries to provide students a balanced diet with nutritional value and variety.

"I think the variety is pretty good because we have the salad bar, sandwiches and the hot meal every day," Sifuentes said.

"I usually eat a baked potato, salad or soup, and it's pretty good," said Annette Purdue, a business administration major.

Even though the cafeteria provides the nutritional food, Sifuentes said the biggest sellers are cookies, brownies and Rice Krispie treats.

Having a cafeteria on campus makes it easily accessible to the students.

"I'd rather not leave and have to come back and find a parking space," Purdue said.

"It's close, and it's quick," Lloyd said. "It really saves me time."

Moseley said vending machines on the Washington Street Campus generate about $20,000 a year for AC.