Supply and demand would control the food prices like it does everywhere else. The Wood Company would have to keep its prices competitive if it wanted to remain a major supplier to New Jersey students. This move has worked for several schools that have either made the meal plan optional or brought in several private suppliers. At NAU, students are given the option of an off-campus meal plan that includes 25 local restaurants and grocery stores. Another example is at the University of Arizona, where the meal plan is also optional.
Competition has the same beneficial effect on quality and variety of the food.
Instead of the Wood Company making slight insignificant changes, they would be challenged to compete with all of Ewing's fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, diners, and convenience stores. Seeing as some of these places are always open, access to food would also be expanded. Students would be able to eat based on their own schedules, not those of the cafeterias. There is no reason why this would not occur at The College of New Jersey as well. The best aspect of an optional meal plan is its practicality for students.