The effect of pricing policies on students’ use of university canteens

Abstract

University canteens play an important role in academic life; they not only allow students to benefit from subsidised food services and meals at lower prices than those commonly available at other local eateries but also affect other aspects, such as students' health, social relationships and academic achievement. Therefore, any intervention that changes the conditions of food service delivery, such as a pricing policy, is also expected to influence students' behaviours and academic life. Using a quasi-experimental design and a difference-in-differences approach applied on data from an Italian university, this study aims to evaluate the impact of an income-based pricing policy on students' frequency of using university canteens and their meal choices. Results show that users who experienced a meal price increase significantly reduced their use of university canteens. Given the role of universities in driving young adults' behaviours, especially in the transition from living at home to independent living, in which they become responsible for food planning, preparation and choices, an evaluation of such policies is crucial – even for minimal price changes – not only because of economic and health implications but also because of their effects on students’ academic life and well-being.