Meal Plans

Union Market offers several meal plan options to meet the varied needs of our students. Here are the key things you need to know:

  • Each plan has a minimum, non-refundable cost. This allows Union Market to effectively budget and minimize waste while ensuring the quality of food and service. 
  • Any plan may be accessed with the student’s college ID card. Only purchases made at Union Market (the college’s main dining facility) or Cooper’s Corner (the snack shop) are part of the meal plan.
  • Students enrolled in summer classes or working at Union College during the summer may continue to receive discounted meals but must make arrangements with their student financial advisor before the end of the spring semester.
  • Purchases that do not fall within one of the meal plans outlined below are not eligible for purchase discounts and will be charged retail rates.

Meal plans and your budget

Students are encouraged to review meal plan cost estimates with their financial aid advisor to choose the appropriate plan. Please click on the name of each plan to find out more and see if you qualify.

Plan

Discount
at register

Operational Fee (per semester)

Declining Balance (per semester)

Total cost (per semester)

Refundable amount (per semester)*

40%

$500

$1,125

$1,625

$0

40%

$500

$1,325

$1,825

$200

40%

$500

$1,525

$2,025

$400

20%

$0

$250+

$250+

Remaining balance above $250

20%

$0

$250+

$250+

Remaining balance above $250

Residence Hall Declining Balance Plans:
Economy, Intermediate and Deluxe

The Residence Hall Declining Balance (DB) Plan (40% discount) is required for students in the residence hall unless they qualify for the Residence Hall 22 Plus Plan (see below). Village students may also benefit from these plans if they intended to eat most meals on campus. 

There are three different levels: Economy, Intermediate, or Deluxe. The minimum cost per semester is $1,625. Of this amount, $1,125 is a declining balance account available for food purchases. The remaining $500 is a mandatory dining service operational fee; this entitles the student to a 40% discount off retail prices. 

Students who do not use their whole plan will get the remaining balance refunded up to the amount listed above. Those who have more than the refundable amount remaining at the end of the semester may wish to inquire about purchasing bulk items or come to an arrangement with friends who have already exceeded their meal plans. 

Residence Hall 22 Plus Plan
(optional plan, 20% discount)

Students in the residence hall who are 22 years of age by September 10 and who qualify for discounted dorm rates are not required to purchase a meal plan, but most will find a plan saves them time, money and worry. Union College has a special offer for these students, and we highly recommend qualifying students participate. 

The Residence Hall 22 Plus Plan offers a minimum declining balance purchase of $250 and will entitle the student to a purchase discount of 20%. Purchases over $250 will continue to receive the 20% discount if additional funds are added to the plan. Unused semester ending balances less than the initial $250 are NOT refundable. The $500 dining service operational fee is waived for students who qualify for this plan. Only students who are 22 years of age or older by September 10 qualify.

Village $250 Plan
(optional plan, 20% discount)

This plan is designed for students who do not live in the residence hall. Village students may elect to purchase a minimum declining balance account of $250 which will entitle the student to a purchase discount of 20%. Purchases over $250 will continue to receive the 20% discount. The initial $250 is not refundable, but unused balances above $250 will be refunded at the end of the semester. This plan is recommended for village students who eat two or more meals per week at Union Market or Cooper’s Corner.