Deli Dive!

In NYC, high school students often rely on local delis to grab their daily food, snacks, and necessities. These delis are super convenient, offering quick and easy access to everything from sandwiches to gum to salads. However, lately, delis have gotten so expensive. U.S. food prices in delis are expected to continue to accelerate in 2024, compared to recent years. In 2024, prices for all food are predicted to increase by 2.2%, with a prediction interval of 1.8 to 2.6 percent. In other words, delis are getting more expensive! The rising prices make it harder for students to afford their usual snacks and meals, which can be really challenging, especially for those on a tight budget.

As a deli owner, a budget is a really important aspect to consider, when thinking about cost and affordability. Generally, students are making minimal amounts of money or none at all and many get money for lunch from parents.  I asked a fellow Labbie what her take on this is and she couldn’t help but agree! Samantha Weinberg, a senior at Lab, told me that it’s hard to balance a job and school at once. While some people can manage, it may feel overwhelming for others. She told me, “Delis have gotten so expensive over the years it almost feels like you’re shopping at a luxury food market.” Definitely!

It's also important to consider that students need to make future investments, whether it be for education or any other future plans.  

A deli’s proximity to our school is also important. If it's 12:24 and you have class in three minutes, where can you go to get a bag of chips? The deli's location and how close it is to Lab affects how often you visit. Being just a short walk away from school makes for an easy spot to grab a quick bite during lunch or after school.  Another thing to consider when deciding on which deli to go to is the popularity. You may hear people in the halls talking about a sandwich from one deli and a coffee from another. 

The deli's location and how close it is to Lab high school can affect how often you visit and the convenience it offers. If a deli is just a short walk away from school, it makes for an easy spot to grab a quick bite between classes or after school.