The $20 Burrito: A Symbol of a Bigger Crisis for Young Americans
There’s something about a $20 burrito that seems to strike a nerve—not just because it’s a burrito, but because it’s become a flashpoint for a much larger conversation about affordability, politics, and the struggles of young adults today. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how a single item on a menu has become a metaphor for the broader economic pressures facing college students and recent graduates. It’s not just about the price tag; it’s about what that price tag represents in a society where the cost of living feels increasingly out of reach.
When Turning Point USA’s Andrew Kolvet shared the viral comment, ‘A burrito shouldn’t cost $20,’ it ignited a firestorm of debate. From my perspective, this isn’t just about inflation or COVID hangovers—though those are real factors. It’s about the disconnect between the lived experiences of young people and the narratives politicians and pundits push. Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s dismissive response—‘Stop whining, get a job, eat ramen’—felt tone-deaf to me. It’s easy to brush off complaints when you’re not the one counting pennies to afford a meal. What many people don’t realize is that for students like Klarissa Palacios, who interned at City Hall for $25 an hour, a $20 burrito isn’t just expensive—it’s a symbol of how hard it is to make ends meet.
One thing that immediately stands out is how students are forced to become economists just to survive. Palacios’s calculation—working over an hour for a single meal—is a stark reminder of the trade-offs young people face. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about burritos; it’s about the value of time and labor. When a meal costs more than an hour of work, it raises a deeper question: Are we asking too much of the next generation?
What’s even more striking is how students are taking matters into their own hands. Palacios and Josiah Herfurth’s Cafe 10:31, where they hosted $10 lunches for fellow students, is a brilliant example of grassroots problem-solving. In my opinion, this speaks to a larger trend of young people finding creative solutions to systemic issues. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about community and solidarity. A detail that I find especially interesting is how their initiative spread beyond USC to other campuses and young adult groups. This isn’t just a college problem; it’s a generational one.
The burrito debate also highlights a shift in how young people think about food. Megan Monroe, a UCLA graduate, pointed out that eating ramen for every meal isn’t sustainable—and she’s right. What this really suggests is that the conversation about affordability needs to include nutrition and health. Personally, I think this is a cultural shift worth paying attention to. Young people aren’t just looking for cheap food; they’re looking for food that’s both affordable and nourishing.
But let’s not forget the role of institutions in all this. Joshua Min’s experience at Cal State Long Beach, where a $315 million renovation left students with limited and expensive food options, is a case study in how universities can fail their students. From my perspective, this isn’t just about poor planning—it’s about priorities. When campuses invest in flashy renovations but neglect basic needs like affordable food, it sends a message: students’ wallets are an afterthought.
If you ask me, the $20 burrito debate is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a symptom of a larger crisis: skyrocketing costs of living, stagnant wages, and a political class that seems out of touch with the realities of young Americans. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it’s become a rallying cry for a generation that’s tired of being told to ‘just deal with it.’
In the end, the burrito isn’t the problem—it’s the system that makes it unaffordable. Personally, I think this debate is a wake-up call. It’s time to stop dismissing young people’s concerns and start addressing the root causes of their struggles. Because if a $20 burrito can spark this much outrage, imagine what could happen if we actually listened to what they’re saying.
