Meal Plan

We are pleased to share with you that beginning in the fall of the 2013 academic year, Dining Services will be offering a brand new meal plan model to Messiah College students called Dining Dollars. Students will no longer be restricted to a particular meal plan based upon their year in college or number of academic credits. Instead, student meal plans will have greater flexibility and will allow them to dine in any of our campus restaurants. Additionally, all students who purchase the meal plan will pay 40% less than those without a meal plan on all purchases at Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, Union Café, The Falcon, Café Diem and the Falcon Hut.

Below are questions and answers with links to the new meal plan agreement and a printable FAQ sheet.

Dining Dollars Meal Plan - Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Messiah’s new meal plan?

Messiah College now offers one meal plan for all students. Our plan is unique in that students are not required to purchase a set number of meals per week in advance. The meal plan has two components associated with it: the Dining Services Operations Charge and a declining balance account named Dining Dollars. The Operations Charge covers all operational costs associated with the five restaurants on campus. The price of the Operations Charge in 2013 will be $1,240.00 per semester. Dining Dollars is a declining balance account, and these funds are used to actually purchase food in each of our restaurants at a 40% discount. The billing amount for Dining Dollars will be $895.00 for each semester in the 2013-2014 academic year. The amount of Dining Dollars spent will vary based on the student’s individual dining habits.

What does the Dining Operations Charge Cover?

The Operations Charge covers operational costs other than food for the Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, Union Café, The Falcon, Café Diem and the Falcon Hut. These costs include, but are not limited to, student and staff wages and benefits, chemical and paper supplies, training, equipment, equipment service and repair, kitchen smallwares, serviceware and utilities.

Who is required to have the Meal Plan?

All students in traditional housing (dorm residences) are required to have the Meal Plan.

Can a student living in an apartment, in satellite housing or commuting also purchase a meal plan?

Yes, students may sign up for the Meal Plan using Housebook located on the Messiah College Portal.

How many Dining Dollars should a student have?

The minimal Dining Dollars amount of $895.00 will be billed for each semester. The $895.00 is an average of what students will spend each semester and is equivalent to the old 210 meals/$200 flex plan. The amount of Dining Dollars necessary for your student will vary greatly based upon his or her individual dining habits. Additional funds can be easily added to the Dining Dollars account as needed throughout the year.

How does the 40% discount work for students with meal plans?

A benefit to students on the new meal plan includes receiving a 40% discount on purchases in the Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, Union Café, The Falcon, Café Diem and the Falcon Hut. For example, a student with a meal plan who purchases a slice of cheese pizza at The Union Café would currently pay $1.49 and a student without a meal plan would pay $2.49. (The discount does not apply to vending machine purchases.) Please follow this link to view Lottie Nelson pricing for 2013-2014.

How often do the Meal Plan prices change?

The meal plan pricing will be reviewed and adjusted annually.

What if I do not use all of the money in my Dining Dollars Declining Balance Account?

Dining Dollars account balances carry over from fall semester to the spring semester. At the end of each academic year, any remaining Dining Dollars will be transferred and credited to the student’s billing account. Upon graduation or withdrawal, any remaining Dining Dollars will be refunded in full to the student.

What if I run out of Dining Dollars?

Additional funds can be added to your Dining Dollars Declining Balance Account at the Falcon Exchange Office located on the second floor of the Eisenhower Campus Center during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday). There is no minimum to the amount of Dining Dollars that can be added to a student’s account. It is important that these additional funds are added to the Dining Dollars account to ensure your discount.

How do I track how much I have left in my Dining Dollars Declining Balance Account?

Each time you purchase items at the Lottie Nelson Dining Hall, Union Café, The Falcon, Café Diem or the Falcon Hut, your balance will be displayed at the cash register. You may also check your balance at the Falcon Exchange.

Are Falcon Dollars the same as Dining Dollars?

Falcon Dollars are not the same as Dining Dollars. Falcon Dollars can be used in dining facilities, the ticket office and the campus store, but are not associated with the meal plan. Falcon Dollars do not receive the 40% discount for dining purchases.

What are my meal plan options while I am attending the Philadelphia Campus?

Meals plans are assigned at Temple University.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

You may contact Dining Services by visiting our website or by calling us directly at 717-766-2511 ext. 7126.