Who knew hot chocolate could add calories and kill budgets at the same time?

ASUAF officials remain puzzled after learning a spike in refreshment use had robbed them of nearly two-thirds of its $6,000 coffee budget, according to invoice figures. Hot chocolate use more than doubled since last year, according to ASUAF estimates.

The association budgeted for the same amount as last year for coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cups. ASUAF had made no noticeable changes to the service or launched ad campaigns touting it, and most assumed the funds would cover the costs.

But they didn't. Plastic foam cups disappeared at more than twice the rate than last year, and the association has spent about $1,890 on hot chocolate since late August, a $1,186 increase from this time last year. ASUAF had spent about $3,824 on the entire beverage service as of two weeks ago, compared to about $1,510 last year.

Hot chocolate prices rose about $8 per case since last year, according to ASUAF estimates, while the number of cases of chocolate used more than doubled, with 35 this year compared to 15.5 last year.

ASUAF has provided free coffee for several years but only added hot chocolate to its list of services about three years ago. Today, many students drop by the office at least once a day to get their cocoa fill.

Student officials tossed around various explanations for the increase, with many senators agreeing that word-of-mouth probably built a steady consumer base over the three-year period.

"Students are seeing it as their fast and easy way of getting services," Walker said. "You drink hot chocolate everyday to keep warm in class, and you'll get your $35 [student government fee] back."

Nick Brewer, a senate candidate, took a different angle, arguing that many students may get hot chocolate simply "out of spite." He explained that many students might be getting drinks just because of the student fee, even if they don't like cocoa.

Walker suggested that advertising during the spring election may have increased student awareness of the service. Walker had made the hot chocolate machines an issue in the election, noting in fliers his role in their maintenance.

"You can fund all the things you want," he said, "but someone needs to make it happen, and I make it happen."

New legislation introduced before the Senate could offer a possible short-term solution, according to supporters. Sponsored by Sen. Veronica Young with the backing of the executive branch, the bill would allocate $600 toward the purchase of travel mugs adorned with the ASUAF logo in hopes of cutting-down disposable cup and lid usage.

"We think that'll help quite a bit," said Vice President Abbie Stille. The mugs would cut-down on cup waste, she said, saving ASUAF money. The association would also likely sell the mugs for a slight profit, she said, in order to recover beverage costs.

"We're not trying to rip-off the students or anything," she said.

But long-term solutions appear out of reach for the moment, according to Walker, and the association may have to eliminate the service next year to cut costs.

Maintenance has grown into a problem as well, Walker said, as the machine lacks a drainage system and requires frequent cleaning.

Last year the group used buckets to collect excess cocoa, collecting about two gallons of waste per week, Walker said, but the system created too much work for him. In the future, the student government may move out of the Wood Center to Constitution Hall, he said, providing a better water access.

"I like the machine," Walker said, "but we don't have a way to dispose of the waste."

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