Students are reaching for extra dimes and pocketing less change because of the recent 10 cent increase in canned sodas in vending machines on campus.
Mark Kraner, director of Auxiliary Services, said the last time there was any documentation of an increase in price of canned beverages on campus was in 1991.
Kraner said the price increases in gasoline and aluminum in the past year caused the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company to raise its prices in all vending machines throughout the city.
“This is not just LSU,” Kraner said, “They made increases across the system.”
Amber Janusheske, chemistry senior, said she is not bothered by the increase because she knows a place on campus that still charges 50 cents for sodas, but she would not reveal its location.
Herman Stepter, interior design senior, said the price of sodas increased at his apartment complex also but that it does not bother him.
“I think it must be another year of inflation,” he said.
Starvos Pierce, 2004 alumnus, said he bought canned beverages from a vending machine but did not realize at the time the price was higher.
“I wondered where my other dime was,” Pierce said. “What happens if I wanted another drink with that dollar?”
The Office of Auxiliary Services and the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company are sponsoring a giveaway for students who use their Tiger Card in Coca-Cola vending machines, but Kraner said the giveaway has no connection to the increase in prices.
Students, faculty and staff who use their Tiger Card between now and Oct. 14 to purchase beverages will be entered in a drawing.
Prizes will be awarded each week. There will be 10 T-shirts given away as well as a larger prize such as dorm refrigerators, MP3 players and tailgating tents.
Jeff Campbell, associate director of Contracted Auxiliary Services, said after Oct. 14, his department will draw for a grand prize of two tickets to the Auburn game.
Any student, faculty or staff member is eligible to participate.
Kraner said the program’s goal is to provide something fun for students and add value to using Tiger Cash.
Stephanie Sims, psychology junior, said she did not realize that there was a promotion with the vending machines but that the giveaway will not necessarily affect her already high volume of buying.
“I buy a lot anyways,” she said.
Contact Ginger Gibson at [email protected]