By Gary Collins/reporter

Student involvement will pay off literally for students who belong to a TCC student organization.

Educational Catering Inc, which operates the cafeterias on TCC campuses, has introduced a discount program for students in a tight economy.

ECI is now giving members of campus-sponsored student clubs a 5 percent discount on all cafeteria purchases.

“We realized that with the economy in trouble, students now more than ever are looking for ways to save money,” catering coordinator Arianne Thompson said. “Our goal with the club discount program is to encourage participation in campus life while also providing students the best possible value for their dining dollar.”

Students will remain eligible for the discount as long as they continue their membership in their respective clubs.

Sign-up information was sent to club sponsors. Once an organization is signed up, names should be in the computer system in less than a week.

“All [students] have to do is give their name to the cashier, no card or other personal information is required,” she said. “Since we only enter names which we receive on the sign-up sheet from the sponsor, participation is not mandatory. We do encourage sponsors to mention the program to their club so that all members can decide whether to participate.”

For more information, students should contact the sponsor of clubs they support.