In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Kim Royster and Tom Tucker, who hosted the focus groups, came to talk about the possibility of a small grocery market and if the committee felt there was a need for a market for on campus students.
The grocery market would take the current location of the Longwood bookstore after it moves to the northeast corner of Main and Third streets.
Joshua Darst, executive senator for committee relations, stated that Farmville already has two different grocery market stores, Walmart and Food Lion. Darst said that if the grocery market was put in place it would have to be different from both stores.
When asked about what types of products the committee felt the grocery market could offer that would benefit Longwood students, the room became split. Half of the committee felt that cheap, bulk items would be most beneficial while the other half felt that expensive, higher quality food would be best.
Cecil Hayes, the Black Student Association representative, pointed out students will more than likely go for cheaper options in order to conserve money. Hayes said that if the grocery market were to happen, there should be a balance between bulk items and higher quality products.
Other possible options to be included in the grocery market was also discussed including a bakery, a butcher and a hot-cold bar.
During open forum, Senator Madison Lowry requested if it was possible for the library to be open earlier on Sundays since most kids go to the library during that day.
SGA President Kevin Napier responded by asking for a show of hands on who would like the library to open earlier and close at 1 a.m. instead of 2 a.m. The majority of the committee said yes.
Senator and Vice Treasurer Joseph Atkins also brought to attention how great the library looked and requested everyone to tell the library aides how well it is.
During the beginning of the meeting Napier swore in the newly-elected Freshman class council. Freshmen Brandon Bowen, Vice President Jamal Allen, Treasurer Emmanuel Okechukwu, Secretary Haden Poythress and Representatives Tom Lewis & Cameron Roblewsky
Cheryl Steele, associate dean of student engagement, also stated she was proud of how students at Longwood are starting to get behind various issues. She said students demonstrated citizen leadership last year and that that she would love to see more activism in the future.
The next SGA meeting will be Tuesday Sept. 19 at 3:45 p.m. in the Martinelli Board Room in Maugans Alumni Center.
