Because of the decision Sofia asked the students to suggest specific types of food from a total of w choices. If x students suggested adding mashed potatoes y suggested adding bacon to the menu and the rest did not participate How many students participated in the suggestion of new food items?
There are a total of 66 food items from which to choose. 

450 students suggested adding mashed potatoes and 38 suggested adding bacon to the menu. 

The rest of the students did not participate. 

So, the number of students who participated in the suggestion of new food items is 450 + 38 = 488.