Amherst restaurants: UMass food policy hurts us

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) - Restaurants and catering companies in Amherst are crying foul over University of Massachusetts policies that keep hungry students and visitors on campus.

When alumni returned to campus for homecoming last fall, the lure of free food gave them an incentive to stay on campus for meals.

For students who want chicken wings and pizza delivered to their dorm rooms, an on-campus service is available that has lower prices than nearby restaurants.

And departments that want on-campus events catered are required to use food provided by the university's auxiliary services, not local private caterers.

Restaurant owners tell The Daily Hampshire Gazette the policies are killing their businesses and may force some to shut down.

University officials say they are working with restaurant owners and share their concerns.