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Meal Plan Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase a meal plan?
You can purchase a meal plan one of three easy ways:
1. Online at https://www.elon.edu/webservices_1/mealplan/
2. In person at the Bursar's office in Alamance 113
3. Over the phone at 877.729.3566

Where can I use my All Access Meals, Guest Meals, Meal Exchange, Block Meals, Meal Dollars, Food Dollars, Phoenix Cash, Cash and/or Credit Card?

Location

All Access Meals

Guest Meals

Meal
Exchange

Block Meals

Meal Dollars

Food Dollars

Phoenix Cash

Cash

Credit Card

Colonnades Dining Hall

X

X

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

Lakeside Dining Hall

X

X

X 

X

X

X

X

X

X

Winter Garden Cafe 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

McEwen Dining Hall

X

X

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

1889 Grill Room

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Fountain Market (includes Boar's Head Deli, Cheeze Please, and Croutons)

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Acorn Coffee Shop

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Octagon Cafe

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Pan Geos

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Varsity Sports Grill

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

POD Express

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Java City at KBC

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Irazu

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

X

X


What are Meal Dollars?
Meal Dollars come with your meal plan. These can be used at any Campus Dining facility working on the same principle as a debit card.  Meal Dollars carry over from Fall to Winter and Winter to Spring.  If you run low on Meal Dollars, reload with Food Dollars. Plus, you save 7.75% on every Meal Dollars purchase!

What are Food Dollars?
Food Dollars are a pre-paid declining balance account used exclusively in dining locations on campus.  Food Dollars are a great way to customize your meal plan based on your individual eating habits:  snacking, dining in casual restaurants, purchasing groceries, etc.  Food Dollars differ from Meal Dollars in that they are added in addition to your meal plan.  You can add Food Dollars at any time.  Simply stop by the Phoenix Card office in the Oaks.
You'll save 22.75% at the register every time you pay for your purchase with Food Dollars (excludes Chick-fil-A and sushi). 

Can I treat a friend?
The following methods of payment may be used by the meal plan member for a guest:  Guest Meals, Meal Exchange combo, Block Meals, Meal Dollars, Food Dollars, Phoenix Cash, Cash and Credit Card.  You may treat whomever you want, whenever you want, as long as you are present to swipe your Phoenix card (not required if paying with cash or credit card).  Meal plan members may not pass, sell, or loan their cards to others.   All Access meals may only be used by the meal plan member and may not be used to purchase a meal for another guest.

Where can I use my All Access Meals?
The All Access meals included with the All Access meal plans may only be used at Colonnades Dining Hall, Upstairs McEwen Dining Hall and Lakeside Dining Hall. 

If I sign up for the All Access Basic, where can I eat?
The All Access Basic gives you unlimited access to Colonnades Dining Hall, Upstairs McEwen Dining Hall and Lakeside Dining Hall.  You may use your meal dollars at any dining location on campus.  A guest meal can be used at any of the locations listed above for a guest or by the All Access meal plan member to purchase a Meal Exchange for themselves.

Where can guest meals be used?
The free guest meals included with the All Access meal plans may be used at any Elon Dining Services location (see chart above).  A guest meal can be used to gain entry into any of our residential dining hall locations or to purchase a Meal Exchange combo. All Access meal plan members may use their guest meals for themselves to purchase Meal Exchange combo meal.

What are my options if I run out of block meals before the semester is up?
You may purchase a block of 25 meals from the Bursar's Office if you run out of meals before the end of the term. You may also add Food Dollars at any time to supplement your meal plan.

What if I don’t use all of the Meal Exchanges that come with the All Access + 14 or All Access +7 meals plan?
The Meal Exchange combo meals that come with the All Access + 14 and All Access +7 meal plans must be used each week (beginning on Wednesday morning and ending on Tuesday night) or they will expire.  If you find you have too little or not enough Meal Exchange combo meals, you may change to a different meal plan during the first two weeks of the fall and the spring semesters.

Can I take my meal to-go if I don’t feel like eating in the dining hall?
Yes! We can give you a to-go container to take your meal to-go from any of the residential dining halls. The to-go container must be fully closed when you leave.

Can I still donate meal swipes?
Meal plan members may donate any Guest Meals, Meal Exchanges or Block Meals that they have available to use.  All Access meals may not be donated as an unlimited number are available.

What if I have special dietary needs or restrictions? Can I purchase a meal plan?
Yes! We will do everything possible to accommodate your dietary needs, restrictions and preferences. For students with celiac disease, we have gluten-free dining all over campus. Our locations provide nutritious, gluten-free meals that are prepared separately to prevent cross-contamination.

Vegetarians can find options in all of our campus dining locations. Vegans can find options in most dining locations.

If you have special needs not addressed here, please contact our Dining Office at 336-278-5333 and make an appointment with our Food Service Director, Eric Tobin. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs. 

How do I change my meal plan?
Authorized changes are permitted through the second week of the Fall and Spring semesters.  Changes can be made on-line at Elon Web Services (https://www.elon.edu/webservices_1/mealplan/)
or in person at the Bursar's Office in Alamance 113. 

What if I'm a commuter or not required to purchase a meal plan?
A meal plan is worth more than you think!  You don't have to worry about wasting money on ATM fees or carrying cash.  Just swipe your card and go!  Meal plans offer combo meal options in conveniently located dining spots all across campus.  Plus, your meal plan is recession proof. That means, when food costs fluctuate, your costs don't.  We've designed two meal plans with commuters in mind.  The 200 Block and 300 Block Meal Plans are the perfect fit for students who don't live on campus.

Between classes, work and your social life there's little time to prepare food at home - we're here for you! We've got plenty of grab and go options to choose from when you're on the move.  Feeling like a home cooked meal?  Have a meal with us in one of our residential dining halls. Either way, we're here to meet your needs.

Who can purchase the 200 Block Meal Plan?
The 200 Block Meal Plan is only available students living off campus and non-mandatory junior and senior university apartment residents.

Can I eat in the dining halls if I don't have a meal plan?
You can purchase meals on a cash or credit basis at Upstairs McEwen and Colonnades dining halls at the following rates:
- Breakfast: $8.75 plus tax
- Lunch: $10.25 plus tax
- Dinner: $10.25 plus tax

What if I have a question not answered here?
Complete our online comment form on the "Contact Us" page of the website or simply call us at 336.278.5333 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.  We are happy to answer any questions you have.