Dirt poor, but sick of eating Ho-Hos and Hot Pockets meal after meal? Craving protein for the price of a Popsicle?

There are several filling-yet-cheap options right here on campus, if you're creative. I ain't talkin' prime rib here, but these choices are still a little more healthy than the typical SF State Breakfast of Champions (i.e. a shot of espresso and a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed). All of the items below are $2 or under.

* Your best bet is of course Taqueria La Contenta's awesome salad/taco bar in the Student Center, where $1.80 can get you a half pound of yum. (Doesn't a half-pound of food sound like a lot? It is!) They have all sorts of taco fixin's: loads of meats, cheese, salad items, guacomole and salsa, etc. My suggestion is to start with the salad items first, rather than the meats – the Taqueria places the heavier items in the beginning of the buffet line, so you fill up on the expensive stuff first. Remember, every piece of carne asada counts in the total price!

*The restaurant, The Gold Coast Grill, adjacent to the taqueria also boasts a decent baked potato bar; you can get one with salsa and sour cream for just $2.

* Another good option is the New York Minute deli, located downstairs in the Student Center. Don't underestimate the power of the $1.50 peanut butter and jelly sandwich: this quick protein pick-me-up is much more healthy and effective than another nasty can of Red Bull!

To subversively show your support for the French without wearing a beret, try a $2 favorite: cheese, ham and turkey on a croissant. Ready-made, so you can save time as well as money.

* Most SF State denizens are all-too-familiar with the Italian Creations pizzeria, located next door to New York Minute. That $1.55 slice of cheese pizza still can't be beat; it's massive, dirt cheap, and easy to eat whilst trudging up to the fifth floor of the Humanities Building when the elevators aren't working. You can also get a two-topping slice for under $2 – try the Hawaiian.

* Asia Express has a few buck-and-change options, if you're willing to step away from the pricey two-item combos. Try their hot and sour soup - you can get a big container of it for $1.90. Alternately, try egg rolls ($1.65 for two) or pot stickers (three for $1.85) as a meal option. When really low on cash, buy a small container of white rice and put a little sweet-and-sour sauce on it, then convince yourself you've already eaten the chicken out of it . . .

* Natural Sensations has several options for the budget-wary-yet-gastronomical student. Options under our price limit include bagels with a variety of toppings including tomatoes, olives and a variety of cream cheeses, as well as fruit, tabouli or pesto pasta salads.

* Outside the Student Center, omnivores will be pleased to note that the Bark-N- Bun has a variety of items for under two clams, including beef or turkey dogs, garden dogs and chicken corn dogs.

* Also, don't forget that there are great soup and salad bargains everywhere throughout campus!