Maryville College Market: quick access to snack food on campus, but at high prices

By Abby Haney | Oct. 20, 2026

After a long day of classes, studying in the library, dorm or common area is an agenda item for many students. However, sometimes to have enough energy, a snack is needed. Some go to the Maryville College Market in Pearsons Hall to find that quick fix of energy but notice the high prices and limited healthy options. 

Maryville College doesn’t source the Market’s snacks themselves, and instead, a corporate division within Performance Food Group distributes them: Vistar. Vistar is the leading distributor for providing snacks, beverages and candy, accomplishing this around the country. 

Sourcing and distributing the items aren’t Vistar’s only job. They also determine the appropriate prices to charge using a calculator that Maryville College follows, so the item prices correspond to Vistar nationwide. 

While Vistar provides a wide variety of options, there are downsides. Paul Cummings, who was hired this year as general manager for the dining hall services at Pearsons, wants to change it with a focus on healthier foods. However, due to the timing of his arrival, he can’t make updates until next semester. 

“I like the healthier options. I want healthier options in here,” Cummings said. 

Students also want changes in the market, a common trend is the desire for a wider variety of foods. 

However, students enjoy the snacks within the market, with it providing an option between meals or as a study treat; the Market is limited to snacks, though, not being a place to find a high-quality meal for the day. 

“One thing probably I like about the market is that there’s a lot of variety for snacks,” Tanner Guch (‘29) said.

A limitation for many, unfortunately, is the high prices. Compared to local grocery stores such as Kroger or Walmart, the price difference is between $1 and $2. Additionally, the prices have increased since last year. 

“It’s an increase of between $2 and $3.” Guch said, “But the… problem I have with it is that it’s all snacks, candy, but also that the prices have gone up since last year.”

Employees who work at the Market have also heard complaints about the price increase and differences compared to other stores off-campus.

Guch, like other students at MC, doesn’t have a car. This limitation prevents him from getting to local grocery stores quickly. Due to this, the market is the best option for getting quick items, but in the long term, it isn’t the most sustainable. While students on meal plans have Flex dollars, the high prices can quickly eat away this fund. Guch said he is getting fewer snacks for more money.

Cummings and students all want a change in the Market. Cummings’ goal to provide healthier options would also provide the variety in the Market that students are looking for.

The market is popular among students and faculty due to its accessibility and providing energy to last until the next meal. However, many want to see cheaper options and additional items added — like fruits, or different drink options — to bring even more enjoyment to those at MC.