Welcome to the Stanford Dining Account Guide, designed to help you navigate the university's dining options and make the most out of your meal plan. As a Stanford student, you have access to a variety of dining halls, cafes, and restaurants on campus, each offering a unique culinary experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of dining accounts, meal plans, and payment options available to you, as well as provide tips on how to eat smart and make sustainable food choices.
Understanding Your Dining Account
Your Stanford Dining Account is a prepaid account that allows you to purchase food and beverages at any of the university’s dining locations. There are two types of dining accounts: the Meal Plan Account and the Cardinal Cash Account. The Meal Plan Account is required for all undergraduate students and is used to purchase meals at the dining halls, while the Cardinal Cash Account is a voluntary account that can be used to purchase food and beverages at any of the university’s retail locations, including cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores.
The Meal Plan Account is funded through your student account, and the amount of funds available is determined by your meal plan selection. The Cardinal Cash Account, on the other hand, is a separate account that can be funded using a credit or debit card, or cash. Cardinal Cash can be used to purchase food and beverages at any of the university’s retail locations, as well as at participating off-campus merchants.
Meal Plan Options
Stanford offers a variety of meal plan options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. The Traditional Meal Plan provides a set number of meals per week, while the Flex Meal Plan allows you to purchase individual meals or snacks using your Meal Plan Account. There are also Specialty Meal Plans available, such as the Vegan Meal Plan and the Gluuten-Free Meal Plan, which cater to specific dietary requirements.
The following table provides a summary of the different meal plan options available:
| Meal Plan Option | Number of Meals per Week | Cost per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Meal Plan | 19 meals | 420</td></tr> <tr><td>Flex Meal Plan</td><td>varies</td><td>350-500</td></tr> <tr><td>Vegan Meal Plan</td><td>19 meals</td><td>450 |
| Gluten-Free Meal Plan | 19 meals | $450 |
It’s worth noting that meal plans can be changed or cancelled during certain periods of the academic year, so be sure to review the university’s meal plan policies and procedures before making any changes.
Eating Smart and Sustainable
Eating smart and sustainable is not only good for your health, but also for the environment. Stanford University is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and the dining program is no exception. The university’s dining halls and cafes offer a variety of sustainable food options, including locally sourced produce, organic meats, and vegetarian and vegan dishes.
To eat smart and sustainable, consider the following tips:
- Choose seasonal produce to reduce your carbon footprint
- Opt for plant-based meals to reduce your environmental impact
- Use reusable containers and bags to reduce waste
- Participate in the university’s food recovery program to help reduce food waste
By making sustainable food choices, you can help reduce the university’s environmental impact and promote a healthier and more sustainable food system.
How do I check my dining account balance?
+You can check your dining account balance online through the Stanford University website or through the Stanford Dining mobile app. You can also visit the Stanford Dining office or contact the dining customer service team for assistance.
Can I change my meal plan?
+Yes, you can change your meal plan during certain periods of the academic year. Be sure to review the university's meal plan policies and procedures before making any changes. You can also contact the Stanford Dining office or the dining customer service team for assistance.
How do I report a lost or stolen dining card?
+If your dining card is lost or stolen, contact the Stanford Dining office or the dining customer service team immediately to report the incident. You can also visit the Stanford University website to suspend your card and prevent any unauthorized use.
In conclusion, navigating the Stanford Dining Account system can seem complex, but with this guide, you should be well-equipped to make the most out of your meal plan and eat smart and sustainable. Remember to always check your dining account balance, consider purchasing a Meal Plan Add-On, and make sustainable food choices to reduce your environmental impact. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Stanford Dining office or the dining customer service team for assistance.
