Right before Covid-19 hit our world, The Well, at the Johnson Center for Health and Wellness had its grand opening. However, due to the pandemic, The Well has not been able to re-open even though the school year has commenced. Before its closing, the Well was a café where students could go and pay for healthier snacks before or after their sports practices. Due to it shutting down, student-athletes have been going to their practices or games hungry, which affects how they play since they do not have enough energy or fuel to play well. 

The Well shutting down has caused student-athletes to enter an unhealthy habit of not getting enough nutrition and protein before and after a rigorous workout. While the Well was open, students would pay a few dollars for healthy snacks and drinks full of nutrition. For example, fruit smoothies, chips, protein cookies, and many other items were served. These snacks provided the athletes with enough energy to play well during their practices because they allowed them to not get tired as easily and strengthened their bodies. 

Even though all student-athletes should have something to eat before their practice, the Well was very expensive for many students to get a snack every single day. Compared to the tuck’s 1- 1.50 dollar prices, the Well’s prices are much higher: $5.00 for a berry smoothie with either orange juice or milk, $1.50 for a cookie, and a few dollars for sandwiches. Having snacks like these before or after each practice is crucial, but with prices like those, how crucial does it seem to those who have to pay?

The administration should introduce swipe cards or an allowance for the Well. Many students here on campus rely on financial aid, and most students can not spend up to five dollars every single day because it adds up to a ton at the end of the year. Therefore, Hackley should provide some sort of system that allows for students to pay at the end of the year for all that they have spent or supply students with an allowance that is included in the tuition. This will allow students to be able to eat a proper snack before their practices without the chance of forgetting money, and even being able to eat a nutritious meal or snack without having the fear of not being able to afford it. 

This system will make the Well more inclusive and let everyone be able to enjoy its amenities. It’s a shame that many students have to go to practice hungry and risk injury because of them not being in the correct state to engage in such physical activity. This is why Hackley should implement this tab or allowance system into the community to allow everyone a healthy habit of eating protein and nutrition-filled food before rigorous practices.