Jacob Lewis / The Hofstra Chronicle
Dutch Treats, Hofstra’s on-campus bodega-style shop, used to be available for students 24/7, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, its hours have diminished. Currently, Dutch operates from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. on all seven days of the week. There’s been plenty of discourse among students about the decrease in hours, as Dutch was a savior for many students who were in a pinch around the clock.
Opening at 10 a.m. might seem reasonable, but one must consider that many students crawl out of bed early for 8 a.m. classes. With the Student Center opening at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, students are forced to scarf down a meal right before class or choose to simply forgo a meal until after.
If Dutch returned to its old hours, students could grab a snack or meal beforehand or take one on the go and not have to rush to class. This would create a healthier lifestyle for Hofstra students by allowing them to eat before class, even when they’re in a rush.
While food and drink are at the forefront of students’ needs, Dutch provides much more than that. The shop also sells commonplace goods that are useful while living both on and off campus. These necessities include toiletries such as toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, cleaning supplies like wipes and disinfectants and medicine including Advil and Dayquil.
Some other essentials that students should always have access to are tampons, condoms and toothbrushes – which students cannot access when Dutch is closed. These items are a necessity and not being able to get them at any time of the day needed is a hindrance for students.
If Dutch returned to its 24-hour cycle, it would create additional jobs for on-campus students, while simultaneously making essential goods more readily available. Student workers could fill in the morning and late-night shifts to earn money while living on campus.
During Dutch’s current opening hours throughout the day, students have classes, so they are unable to trek out to the store to buy their essentials. If things change, both sides win; consumers can get their goods, and workers have an opportunity to earn more hours.
