How a Snowstorm Left Tulane Students Struggling to Find Food: An Insider’s Perspective

Tulane students enjoy the snow

On January 21, New Orleans was transformed by an unexpected snowstorm. Snow covered the quads, and the cold was intense. For Tulane students, this was thrilling; the city hadn’t seen this much snow since 1963. However, the fun soon turned into a challenge as ice made walking and driving very risky. The city struggled to clear the snow, leaving campus in a slippery situation.

My roommate and I were craving snacks, so we headed to The Boot Bar and Grill Store, one of the few places open. We carefully navigated the icy quad, each step a potential slip. When we got there, the line stretched outside. Inside, the shelves were nearly bare. We found some nutrition bars and a few bags of chips, but not much more.

In the days leading up to the storm, options were limited. The Commons, The Boot Store, and sometimes PJs Coffee were the only food sources. But getting to them was tricky due to the hazardous conditions. Plus, students couldn’t use Wave Bucks, and many restaurants across the city closed during the storm.

It’s no surprise that food places couldn’t stay open, as getting to work was difficult for staff. Still, a better plan could have eased this situation. A food distribution system, similar to what was used during past emergencies, could have helped students access more than just snacks.

Another opportunity was missed when the Quick Eats convenience store near the Small Family Collaboration Hub opened. It didn’t start serving food until January 28, when it could have opened earlier to help students without needing staff to operate it.

Students could have been encouraged to stock up on food beforehand, especially those with kitchens. But even for those on campus, limited fridge space made preparing for emergencies hard.

This issue of limited food options isn’t new. During sorority rush week, students faced similar challenges. Many relied on the Commons, which was often closed, forcing us to order expensive takeout instead.

Clearly, there needs to be a change in how Tulane handles food distribution during unexpected events. It’s essential for students to have reliable access to meals, especially in the face of unpredictable weather.