Food Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of being on a Meal Plan at the University of Winnipeg?

Our Meal Plan offers you affordable opportunities to eat authentic cultural food that is alive with flavour and nutrition. Our food is prepared from scratch using authentic ingredients and recipes. By using your Meal Plan Swipe Card, you benefit from a discounted tax-free rate with no transaction fees.

Our Meal Plan is designed with flexibility that will allow you to spend your time studying - no time spent shopping for groceries, cooking or cleaning! We recognize that food is necessary for more than great health; food also contributes to the creation of community. Participation in our Meal Plan allows you to take time developing relationships with other students while you enjoy home-cooked meals.

How does the Meal Plan work?

You may choose the food items you wish, from the location you wish and pay a la carte for each item. The appropriate amount will be debited from your declining balance Meal Plan Swipe Card.

Can I add more dollars to my Meal Plan?

You may add Meal Plan dollars any time during the term should you feel you need to enhance your Plan. While we have taken care to provide a Meal Plan that will meet your minimum food requirement, we cannot guarantee that this amount will entirely meet your needs.� If you know that you would like to eat all your meals on campus, please be aware that this will cost approximately $1800.00 - $2000.00 per term. $1500.00 will not provide 3 meals a day, 7 days a week.� $1500.00 will cover approximately 10 meals per week for 16 weeks. It is the Meal Plan participant's responsibility to budget their daily food requirements and manage their Meal Plan dollars. You may check with any cashier as to the balance on your account. Students who are hearty eaters or who are athletes should be aware that they may need to add extra Meal Plan dollars in order to satisfy their daily food requirements.

No taxes will be added to your Meal Plan purchases - this means a savings of 12%!

How do I activate my Meal Plan Card?

Once you have paid for your Meal Plan option you must bring your receipt of payment to Pangea's Kitchen in Riddell Hall where the Manager of Food Operations will activate your Meal Plan Swipe Card.

Where do I pay for my Meal Plan?

You can sign your Meal Plan contract and pay for the Meal Plan at the Office of Housing & Student Life. Payment for the Meal Plan can be made at the same time that you pay your housing fees. You must bring your receipt to the Manager of Food Operations in order for your Meal Plan Swipe Card to be loaded appropriately.

Can I pay for my Meal Plan in installments?

Yes. You can chose to pay for your meal plan each month once you have signed your Meal Plan contract.�� Monthly payments are available and each month you must bring your receipt of payment to the Manager of Food Operations who will update the amount on your card. You can also pay the entire term at the beginning of each term or pay for both terms in advance.

Do I pay taxes on my Meal Plan choices?

No. You do not pay taxes on your meals and the swipe card system will automatically calculate the price of the meal without tax.

Where can I use my Meal Plan card?

You can use your Meal Plan Card at any of the 3 locations where Diversity Food Services is operating. Meal Plan dollars can be spent at Pangea’s Kitchen in Riddell Hall, The Malecon in Centennial Hall, or Caf� Bodhi in Lockhart Hall.

How does my Meal Plan card work?

When you purchase a meal at Pangea’s Kitchen in Riddell Hall, The Malecon in Centennial Hall, or Caf� Bodhi in Lockhart Hall the cashier will swipe your card through the reader and the price of your food will automatically be deducted from your account. The cashier can always print a receipt which will show you your current card balance for the term. Purchasing a Meal Plan means you eat a la carte, allowing you the flexibility to eat at the best time and place on campus for your schedule. Please do not punch holes in your card or change your card in any way as it may result in deactivating the card. Replacement cards can be issued, but there will be a $25.00 fee attached to them.

Do I keep the same Meal Plan card for each semester?

Yes. Your card will be activated for the academic term and will remain valid for that period; you will use the same card for both semesters. If you pay the entire amount for the academic year, the total fee will be divided into the amount for each term and your card will be loaded accordingly. If you choose to pay at the beginning of each term you will be required to bring a receipt demonstrating your payment and your original card will be reloaded with the appropriate amount.

What happens if I have money left over in my account at the end of the term?

Money cannot be refunded at the end of the term. Your discount and tax free status on meals requires that you completely use up your Meal Plan dollars each term. With our state-of-the-art swipe card system you can always check how much is left in your Meal Plan account and budget accordingly. You can add dollars to your account in an appropriate amount should you feel that you will require more for a term.

Can I eat a meal if I have forgotten my Meal Plan card?

You must always have your Meal Plan id card with you when you want to eat on campus. The cashier relies on your card in order to process the financial transaction of your meal choices. In addition to this, due to the tax exemption that our Meal Plan participants enjoy, it is very important that you present your card for identification purposes. You can always purchase food at any service centre with Debit Card, MasterCard, Visa or cash; however, you can only use your Meal Plan card dollars when you present your card.

Is it possible to share my Meal Plan with another student?

No. Due to the special pricing and the tax exemption provided to Meal Plan participants, Meal Plan dollars and cards are not transferable to any student other than the student who has purchased the Meal Plan. The law states that only the student who has purchased the Meal Plan can use the dollars on the card. For security purposes your Meal Plan card will have your photo on it. You are welcome to bring guests into any of our food service areas and purchase meals for them with Debit Card, MasterCard, Visa or cash.

What kind of options are there for vegetarians or students with food allergies?

Our Executive Chef understands that students will come with a variety of preferences and dietary needs. Every effort will be made to provide nutritious and flavourful food that meets the requirements of each student on the Meal Plan; however, there may be certain allergies that will prevent a student from partaking in the Meal Plan. Diversity will strive, wherever possible, to be respectful of all students' health concerns as well as religious and cultural needs.

What if I lose my Meal Plan Swipe Card?

Your Meal Plan card has real value and it is your responsibility to ensure its safety. Should you lose your card you must report it immediately to the Manager of Food Operations who will deactivate the card. You are responsible for any unauthorized purchases up to the time you report the missing card. If you find your card after it has been deactivated, you will need to report to Pangea's Kitchen in Riddell Hall where the Manager of Food Operations will re-activate it. Replacement cards can be issued but you will be charged a fee of $25.00 should this occur.

What if I want to take my dinner out of the dining centre?

Diversity Food Services will provide take-out containers to residents wishing to take food out of the dining centre. Eco-friendly, re-usable containers are available at Diversity for $5.00. Each student is encouraged to purchase one and support the Campus Sustainability objectives at U of W.�

Can I use my Meal Plan card to purchase retail items?

Due to the tax exemption that you enjoy as a Meal Plan participant, please check with the cashiers before you assume that a purchase will qualify as tax free for you. Canada Revenue Agency has strict guidelines regarding purchases that qualify for the food discount as well as the tax exemption and there may be some selections that do not qualify.

What if I cancel my Meal Plan?

If you live in McFeetors Hall you must be on a Meal Plan. However, if you have signed your Meal Plan contract and paid your fees and then decide not to live in McFeetors Hall a cancellation fee will apply should you decide to cancel your Meal Plan contract. If you should cancel before your move-in date at McFeetors Hall you will be fully refunded less a $30.00 cancellation fee.

If you cancel your Meal Plan contract or if you transfer to another residence managed by the University of Winnipeg where a meal plan is not required during the term, then you must submit a written request to opt out of the Meal Plan in order to receive your remaining Meal Plan dollars. This type of cancellation will result in a $150.00 cancellation fee.

If your housing or Meal Plan contract is terminated, your account will be dealt with according to the policies established by the Managers of Campus Living (Housing & Food Services).

Please note: all requests for cancellations must be presented to the Manager of Campus Living (Food Services) in writing; no verbal cancellations will be processed.

Manager of Campus Living (Food Services)
University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation
Lydia Warkentin
phone: 204.982.1709
office: 9^th Floor Rice Building
email: ly.warkentin@uwinnipeg.ca