CRU, formerly the Campus Crusade for Christ International, brought the mobile food truck Oh My Grill to campus last Sunday from 6-8 p.m., offering free grilled cheese sandwiches to the first 200 students with a valid student I.D. 

Before students could receive their free grilled cheese and drink, a survey was given requesting their name, religious affiliation, email address and phone number. The last question asked if the student was interested in becoming closer to God, to which they could check off yes, no, or maybe. 

According to Jason Weimer, a team leader for CRU, the event was created to generate interest in CRU and inform Point Park students that the ministry is a city-wide movement. 

“We wanted to just do an event to give some free food to students, welcome them to campus and just let people know that we’re here in the city,” Weimer said. “We’re active at Pitt, at CMU…and we’re working to start at Duquesne and Point Park.” 

Despite there being a big student turnout to the event, there were mixed feelings over the way it was marketed. Some students felt that it was deceptive because there was no mention of a survey on the flyers. 

“I knew the event was not sponsored by Point Park, so I Googled it beforehand and saw it was a Christian organization,” Carrie Reale, a freshman mass communication major said. “I was comfortable with it being a Christian organization, but it was misleading. It should have said a short survey was required on the flyer.” 

Reale said that she is always cautious when being asked for personal information, and being asked to give her phone number was a red flag. 

“I wasn’t comfortable putting my phone number so I asked the man working there if I had to give my number and he said no,” Reale said. “I heard some students are being texted by CRU now…on the survey they should have said they might text you. There are better ways to reach out.” 

Other students were not concerned by the survey because of the prospect of free food. 

“I personally love food trucks so I think it’s awesome that we have one on campus right now,” Amber Flevaris, senior sports, arts and entertainment management major said. “And plus – it’s free, and I love free food, but what college student doesn’t?” 

CRU will hold their first meeting on campus in Village Park on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8:15 p.m. CRU also meets every other Thursday at the Northway Christian Community church in Oakland at 8:15 p.m. A shuttle will be provided for interested students.

photo by Chloe Jakiela 
Sophomore english major Alex Butler, and sophomore multimedia major Conner Kapelewski cheer each other and enjoy their free grilled cheese from the “Oh my Grill” food truck in Village Park, Sunday Aug. 30. The free grilled cheese was courtesy of CRU. 

photo by Chloe Jakiela 
Dozens of Point Park students lined up along the perimeter of Village Park Sunday, Aug. 30 to get a free grilled cheese from the “Oh My Grill” food truck.