Competitive Contracting for Food at Campus Events

It seems like a small issue, but many of our student fees go to purchase food for campus events. The UMBC SGA recently purchased ice cream for an event to watch the Vice Presidential debate. The UMBCUnderground blog picked up the story, examining the cost of the food provided, totaling $450. I inquired on the post to see if the SGA looked into other alternatives:

Should we not question the actual expenditure by the SGA? Members of the food contract review committee worked hard during the selection process of Chartwells to ensure that student groups could go outside of the on-campus food provider for food at events. In other words, should we be upset with Chartwells because they have high prices, or be upset with the SGA for not looking outside Chartwells? Maybe the price for Chartwells will subside if student groups choose other providers…

While I have raised the issue in this specific case at UMBC, the broader issue addresses whether student groups on campuses actually have the opportunity to pursue competitive alternatives for food contracting. UMBC's previous contract with Sodexho prohibited groups from serving food on campus from outside food providers. Bowie State students are currently participating in a review of their food contract and considering a provision allowing student groups to look outside their food provider for food at events.

What policy exists on your campus? Have you had any experience with ordering food from your on-campus food provider? Other thoughts?