HUNGRY? HERE’S WHERE TO EAT AT MHCC

A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO FOOD ON CAMPUS

From hot meals and coffee to free groceries and quick snacks, MHCC offers a variety of food options to help students get through the school day.

By Natalie Brooks

The Advocate

There are hundreds of students at Mt. Hood Community College on any given school day looking for a place to grab a bite or a meal to eat in between their classes. There are a variety of places located on the Gresham campus that sell and provide students exactly what they’re looking for when hunger hits.

Vista Dining

Our on-site cafeteria, Vista Dining or Vista Café, is accessible to students Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food options rotate regularly and vegetarian options are available. Vista Café serves hot meals, with meal prices ranging from $6 to $15. The Vista Dining Hall area is a large room accessible for all students during operating hours, and is a great place to eat during cold and wet weather.

Riverview Café 

The Riverview Cafe's sign posted outside the Vista Dining. Photo by Aung Pyae Lin

The Riverview Barista or Riverview Café is located in the Library in room AC2302, but orders can also be placed through the window next to the Library’s entrance. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, the café serves an assortment of coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate, Italian sodas, energy drinks and specialty drinks ranging in price from $4 to $8 with a variety of sizes. Foods like muffins, parfaits and salads are also available from $2 to $10. Previously, rice and noodle bowls were also offered, but unfortunately they were removed, although many students have expressed interest in more vegetarian food options like these on campus.

The café was previously owned by Junki and Linda Yoshida, but is now owned by the Hampton family. Jodi, one of the baristas, has worked at the café for about a year, and she praised, “Our owners are super awesome. They’re an awesome family and they’re really great to work with.” Diana, who is also a barista, has worked at the café for about six years, and emphasized that after “many years of working in college, I’ve kind of never had any rude customers, so we are just so lucky and our customers are just so nice.”

FREE FOOD AT MHCC

Barney's Pantry

Groceries available to eligible students once per week.

Student Union

Snacks and drinks available during operating hours.

Secret shelves

Grab-and-go snacks at select locations around campus.

Barney’s Pantry

Barney’s Pantry is run by students for students at MHCC. Located in room AC1261 with the Equity and Community Resource Center, Barney’s Pantry is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students only need to check in at the front and bring their student ID, which students can print for free at the MHCC Library or Computer Lab if they bring some form of personal ID. Students can visit the pantry once per week, which provides fresh produce and dry foods like rice and pasta, and can get snacks and drinks from ECRC once per day.

Vending Machines

Vending machines are located in key areas on campus. Photo by Aung Pyae Lin

There are dozens of vending machines located throughout campus that sell soda, water, energy drinks and snacks. Vending machines are often located down different halls, and include locations like the Student Union and Tutoring Center. The smart coolers serve fresher options and are located in the Library lobby, Gym, Applied Technology Building 18 and the Bruning Center. Prices can range from $3 to $10 for food and drink options depending on which vending machine you purchase from.

Student Union

The Student Union, located in room 1051, also houses various food options which are available while the Student Union is open, from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the vending machine, there is typically an assortment of snacks and drinks which include coffee, tea, water and hot water. Students have a once daily limit on the food and drinks they take. Occasionally, the Student Union hosts events and provides free food during them. If there is any food leftover after the event, the food is available inside while supplies last.

Secret Shelves

There are a few “secret shelves” located around campus, including the one across from The Advocate newsroom, which is room AC1369. The shelves contain regularly stocked snacks like chips and beef sticks. The shelves can be perfect for those looking for a quick snack soon after the other facilities have closed.