Dining Services
Meal Plans & Payment Options
Payment Methods & Meal Plans
Whether you live on campus or commute, every Blue Jay needs a way to eat. Learn how to choose the right meal plan, use Jay Bucks, and pay with your Campus ID card, so you always know your options when it’s time to grab a meal.
In addition to meal swipes and Jay Bucks, most of our locations accept cash or credit cards as well.
View Meal Plans
Meal Swipes
Meal Swipes are your access to all-you-care-to-eat dining in the Marketplace or Fresh Nest. Each swipe covers one entry, and they can only be used in the Marketplace or Fresh Nest. To-go meal options are available in both locations if you’d like to take your meal with you. Unused swipes do not roll over — they expire at the end of each semester.
Jay Bucks
Jay Bucks are prepaid dollars added to your account which can be used at the Blue Bean Café, the Fresh Nest Café, the Jay Truck, the Jay’s Nest, or the Marketplace. Simply swipe your ID card to use them. Jay Bucks, at varying dollar amounts, are built into our standard meal plans. Jay Bucks can also be purchased separately, common practice for commuter students, students who live in the quads or apartments, or faculty and staff.
Additional Jay Bucks can be purchased at any time through the Business Office.
Campus ID Card
Your student ID card can be used for meals in The Marketplace or Fresh Nest, to use Jay Bucks in any Dining facility, and to charge at any Dining Services facility or other vendors across campus. Treat it as you would a credit card. Keep your ID on you at all times and remember — it is for your use only. It is considered theft to use another individual’s ID card.
Lost or Damaged ID Cards
Notify Campus Safety (ext. 1263) immediately if your ID card is lost or stolen. Until you have reported the loss, you are responsible for any transactions made with the card.
If your card is damaged and unable to be used in the card readers, you will need to replace it through the Office of Campus Safety. There may be a charge for replacement, at the discretion of that office.
How Meal Plans Work
1 Choose a Meal Plan: Elizabethtown College offers 10 diverse meal plans, ranging from residential blocks (Gold, Silver, Bronze) to independent living blocks and even a mini-plan ideal for occasional diners. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans offer equal pricing but differ in flexibility, balancing sit-down meals at the Marketplace with Jay Bucks for other dining locations.
2 Migration Period: Not sure which plan is right for you? Take the first two weeks of the semester to try it out. If you need more meals or less meals, you can change your plan through Jayweb under the Finances section. The last day to make changes or upgrade to a plus plan is the end of the day on Friday, two weeks into the semester.
3 Eat: Visit one of our dining locations across campus:
- The Marketplace offers an all-you-care-to-eat experience with rotating menus and diverse options.
- The Jay’s Nest serves made-to-order meals, deli favorites, sushi, and a selection of groceries.
- The Blue Bean Café, a Starbucks Proudly Serves location, is perfect for your favorite coffee drinks and pastries.
- The Fresh Nest specializes in smoothies and wholesome, health-forward choices.
Academic Year 2025–2026 Meal Plans
| Plan | Price | Total Meals | Jay Bucks | Guest Meals | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $3,490 | Unlimited | $100 | 10 | Residential Students (Default Plan) |
| Gold Plus | $3,565 | Unlimited | $200 | 10 | Residential Students |
| Silver | $3,490 | 200 | $200 | 8 | Residential Students |
| Silver Plus | $3,565 | 200 | $300 | 8 | Residential Students |
| Bronze | $3,490 | 150 | $325 | 6 | Residential Students |
| Bronze Plus | $3,565 | 150 | $425 | 6 | Residential Students |
| Independent Living Block | $1,412 | 80 | $100 | 4 | Students Not Residing in Residential Dorms |
| Independent Living Block Plus | $1,487 | 80 | $200 | 4 | Students Not Residing in Residential Dorms |
| Mini-Meal Block | $318 | 20 | $0 | 0 | Students Not Residing in Residential Dorms |
| Mini-Meal Block Plus | $393 | 20 | $100 | 0 | Students Not Residing in Residential Dorms |