Dougie Bennett and Ryan Knauss, USG presidential and vice-presidential candidates, led the boycott to draw attention to the issue of lowering food costs on campus, one of their campaign platforms.

"Prices will continue to rise unless students say something about it," Bennett said. "The only way we can (lower prices) is not to give them our business. It's supply and demand, simple economics."

Megaphones, banners and a performance by the band Right Now Nothing also attracted attention to the demonstration.

"This is awesome. I like when stuff like this goes on -- people giving their opinions and going nuts," Matt Fowler (sophomore-chemical engineering) said. "The HUB just rips you off. I try to stay away from the expensive places."

Though most students agreed with Bennett's stance, a homemade lunch was not enough to keep some away from HUB eateries.

"I don't know if sandwiches alone will keep people out (of the HUB), but I think the prices are too high," Sam Smith (junior-English) said. "I eat there because I have a (id+) card, so no one cares prices are high. That's probably why they raise them."

Business at the HUB decreased slightly but not a great deal, said Barry Scerbo, director of Food Services.

Scerbo added no candidates have contacted him about lowering food costs.

"The way to get things accomplished is to sit down and talk to people," Scerbo said.

Lowering food prices is also on the platform of Beth Silvia, USG presidential candidate.

"I question whether or not (the boycott) is the right approach due to the fact a boycott should be used as a last resort rather than a point of entry into discussion about lowering the prices," Silvia said.

She said her running mate, James Hornick, has talked with David Gingher, director of HUB Food Services, about lowering food prices.

"These are business people," she said. "If you make a sound proposal and present it to them . . . they would probably be more likely to make changes."

Bennett said he will see how yesterday's demonstration affected HUB sales and may hold longer boycotts in the future.