What is a Meal Plan?
A JMU Meal Plan unlocks delicious meals, coffee, snacks, and more, at over 25 locations across campus. Your JMU Meal Plan includes Meal Punches and Dining Dollars, conveniently loaded onto your JACard. No need to carry additional cards or cash!
Please visit our meal plan terms and conditions page for complete details on contract duration and eligibility.
Meal Punches
Meal Punches give you access to D-Hall and E-Hall, our two residential dine-in locations on campus. One punch gets you access to several stations including
- Vegan and vegetarian
- International cuisine
- Homestyle comfort foods
- Yummy desserts
- Salad and deli bar
- Allergy-friendly cuisine (gluten and nut)
- Traditional favorites like chicken nuggets, peanut butter pie and Buffalo Mash!
Guest Meals
Please note that Guest Meals or "Punches" cannot be used during special events, including Family Weekend events. For questions, please contact JMU Dining at 540.568.6751 or email: dining@jmu.edu for clarification.
Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars are funds included with all JMU Dining Meal Plan options. The tax-free declining balance spends dollar for dollar and can be used at any JMU on-campus dining location, including vending machines, and concessions – purchases at the university stadium, arena & sports fields. Since they’re tax-exempt, Dining Dollars offer guaranteed savings over cash, credit, or Flex Dollars! They also have more spending power than meal punches. Dining Dollars can also be used for guests when the cardholder is present at the time of purchase. Additional Dining Dollar funds can be added to your account by visiting JMU Card Services.
Duke Deals
Duke Deals offer variety and convenience to your meal plan. You have the option to exchange your Meal Punches for a Duke Deal at select retail locations. A Duke Deals = One Meal Punch. Stay tuned to see our Fall 2025 Duke Deals!
Each meal plan has a designated number of Duke Deals or Equivalencies – either daily, weekly or each semester.
| Meal Plan | Punches Used for a Duke Deal or Equivalency |
| All Access Plus | Up to 3 daily |
| All Access | Up to 2 daily |
| 14 Punch | Up to 2 daily out of 14 total punches/week |
| 10 Punch | Up to 2 daily out of 10 total punches/week |
| 100 Block | Up to 2 daily out of 100 total punches/semester |
| 75 Block | Up to 2 daily out 75 total punches each semester |
| 50 Block | Up to 2 daily out 50 total punches each semester |
While your best value for a Meal Punch is dining at D-Hall and E-Hall, but Duke Deals offer the option to customize your meal plan and benefit from the large selection of retail locations on campus. Please note, Duke Deals are subject to change.
Meal Plan Benefits
With your meal plan, you receive many benefits and perks, including:
- Quality food made fresh by our culinary team with a variety of menu options
- Healthy choices available across campus
- Special events with themed meals and exclusive offers for meal plan members
- Casual atmosphere with wifi, TVs, music and lounge-style seating—perfect for studying or hanging out with friends.
- Dedicated True Balance Allergen Friendly station at both D-Hall and E-Hall
Managing Your Plan
There are three ways you can check your Meal Punches and Dining Dollars balance:
- Go to MyMadison online portal
- Ask a cashier on the spot of purchase
- Visit the meal plan office in the Student Success Center
- Meal Plans are annual contracts, therefore you will automatically be reassigned your fall plan in the spring. Contact JACard Office for details.
- Meal Plans are not active during university breaks (Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break)
General Sick Policy
This policy is for students who are ill and don't feel well enough to leave their room.
- Please email Debbie Bahr at our dining@jmu.edu email and let us know who you authorize to use your JACard
- The authorized person can pick up food in any of our locations, including a to-go box in residential and drop the food off to the ill student
- This policy applies to any who are ill and have meal plans
