Night students have dealt with a lack of food options since construction  on the Campus Center began more than two years ago.

All three food options —the Three Seasons Restaurant, Subway and the campus Bookstore — are closed by the time they arrive on campus for evening classes.

So, to help students who arrive at Contra Costa College once the food vendors are closed, the Associated Student Union treated them to a dinner in AA-117 on Monday.

“Dinner With Faculty” was organized by the ASU to give night students a meal and allow them to become familiar with other students, faculty, and Police Services, Vice President of Club Affairs Safi Ward-Davis said.

This is the third time the ASU has sponsored a “Dinner With Faculty.” The first was held in December 2015.

A $300 budget was allocated for the event, but less than $200 was spent, Ward-Davis said.

Hungry students filled the room on the bottom floor of the Applied Arts Building to fill their stomachs with chicken pasta, a side of salad and garlic bread prepared by culinary arts department and served by ASU members.

For a small event, the student turnout was sizable. Students and faculty crowded the three long tables stocked with food and refreshments.

Student Life Coordinator Erika Greene said it is important to let night students feel like they are a part of the campus community too.

Greene said the event is also a good way for students to speak with Police Services officers, who have attended each dinner, and become comfortable with them.

The students in attendance seemed to appreciate the dinner.

Economics major Thomas Nowrouz was at “Dinner with Faculty” and said it is great for people who may not feel included in many of the events that happen during the day.

”Typically night students don’t get together and socialize, so it was nice for us to be together,” Nowrouz said.

Davis said the previous two dinners were such a success that students wanted the event again.

“The feedback was very positive. Students liked the interaction with faculty and Police Services (officers),” she said.

ASU President Nakari Syon said, “I really want this event to be a reoccurring and growing thing, maybe monthly, for night students.”

CCC alumna Telshaia Hemry was a night student.  Hemry said she had a hard time getting food on campus.

“Most night students are working adults or have kids or both. It’s nice to have a meal at night,” she said.

“It’s great too because some professors are strict, so you can’t even snack in class.”

Biology major Gagan Sidhu said the event is important because it recognizes night students, and lets them know they are valued.

Arius Robinson, ASU senator, said the event was good.

“It was nice to get night students some much-needed food.”