A PETER Symonds pupil has started an online petition protesting the price of hot food at the college.

Rowan Pike, 18, told the Chronicle that the price of warm meals sold by the college has increased since the beginning of last year, citing the price of chicken and chips which has risen from £3.70 to £4.30 - an increase of more than 16 per cent.

Rowan, who lives in Southampton, said: “I started the petition because I thought it was a bit unfair for those who can’t afford it – it’s putting me off buying the food. I was looking for different places to buy food, I can’t buy a hot meal anymore because it’s just not worth the money.”

He explained that walking into the town centre from the college is also not an option for some students due to how long it takes to walk there from the campus.

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He also added that he is aware that inflation has played a big part in the price rise, but that he still had questions about why the price for warm food is higher than at other colleges, saying: “At Barton Peveril they charge £4 for chicken and chips with free juice, and they get four different options, with a vegan option, you can get chicken popcorn and there are so many more options with the food and it only costs £4, which is a more reasonable price when you’re getting a drink as well.

“If you wanted a drink at Peter Symonds [to go with your meal], you have to spend over £5 now.”

At time of writing, Rowan’s petition has been signed by 463 people.

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A Peter Symonds spokesperson said: “The college works hard to ensure that the cost of food and drink remains affordable for all students and subsidises the catering activity on campus, so that food is offered to students at prices lower than what it actually costs to produce. Recent cost pressures have meant we have had to increase prices, but we do everything we can to make these increases as minimal as possible.

“We also offer meal deals which provide good value for money our students and, of course, students are always welcome to bring in their own packed lunches/food. Financial support is also available in the form of free college meals for eligible students.”

Rowan's petition can be found online at change.org/p/stop-raising-food-prices-at-peter-symonds.