Jonathan Suarez | PantherNOW
FIU’s new partnership with Coca-Cola is not a corporate sellout or an attack on student health. It’s a practical decision that reflects the financial and operational realities of running a major public university.
While it is true that some of Coke’s products are not healthy, this partnership is about finding a beverage partner that can provide the university with a variety of benefits, offer a diverse selection of drink options to students and meet the demands of serving a large public university.
As PantherNOW reported, the university sent interested companies a list of requirements their potential partner would have to meet. By definition, only one or two major beverage companies can afford to satisfy all of these demands—Pepsi and Coca-Cola.
While another beverage company may offer healthier options, only the major beverage conglomerates can realistically meet all the needs of major university.
For example, Coke is reportedly going to offer students access to internships and scholarships. While the numbers are not finalized, this kind of institutional support is nearly impossible for smaller, health-oriented beverage companies. Hence, nearly all U.S. colleges and universities are either Coke or Pepsi campuses.
As part of the finalized agreement, Coke and the university will determine a percentage of the profits from vending sales. This money goes into FIU’s “concession fund,” which is the primary way the university funds its catering and entertainment needs.
A smaller company would not have the same margins Coke does and, therefore, could not offer FIU the same financial incentive to form a partnership.
Is it the university’s responsibility to ensure students are drinking healthy beverages? No.
While the university should certainly encourage students to make healthy choices and ensure those options are available, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make those decisions.
Coke is more than just Coke. The diversity of product offerings that Coke brings to the table is a central reason why it secured this partnership.
Coke owns Fairlife, Powerade and Topo Chico. All of these offerings will, presumably, be available to students.
Students should make healthier decisions. FIU should encourage this. But not at the cost of meeting FIU’s needs—or depriving students of the right to choose their fizzy drinks.
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The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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