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Campus food voted best by students

James Madison University campus food has gained national recognition, voted Number 5 for "great campus food" in American Universities, based on student surveys in the Princeton Review's Best Colleges 2012 guide.

Princeton Review best colleges

Meal punch hours

You can use a meal plan 'punch' during the following times:

Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 7:00am - 10:30am
Lunch: 10:30am - 3:30pm
Dinner: 3:30pm - 8:00pm

Saturday-Sunday
Brunch: 10:00am - 3:15pm
Dinner: 3:15pm - 8:00pm

Meals at James Madison University

Dining on campus is a quintessential part of the overall James Madison University experience. Students have over 20 dining options offering quality, value, excitement and convenience.

At the main dining hall, JMU features cuisine from different countries at various times throughout the year, and especially during International Week. A student can always find vegetarian options, and religious preferences will be accommodated. Additionally, nutrition facts are provided at every dining hall.

Meal plans

Meal plans are a convenient way to manage your food budget, by pre-purchasing meals at James Madison University dining locations. Flexible options to fit student lifestyles are built into all meal plans.

For students in on-campus accommodation: resident meal plan

International First Year students living on campus must take the University's 'Resident 14 plus' meal plan. The Meal Plan cost is included in the on-campus accommodation price listed on the fees page.

This meal plan includes:

  • 14 meal punches per week
  • $250 in Dining Dollars per semester

For students in off-campus accommodation: commuter meal plans

If you live in off-campus accommodation, it is not mandatory to purchase a meal plan. However, you may decide on a James Madison University commuter meal plan option. These plans range from $613 to $2,078 per semester and include varying amounts of meal punches and Dining Dollars.

If you do not want to commit to a meal plan, you can also pay for meals on campus with cash as you purchase them, or using your FLEX card (JMU's declining balance account for students).

What is a meal plan 'punch'?

All meal plans include a set number of meal punches. A meal plan "punch" can be used in several ways:

  • gaining entrance to all-you-care-to-eat locations
  • purchase of 'Duke Deal' combo meals in food courts
  • $5 towards other menu items
  • 3 times per semester at Madison Grill (worth $8.50 per meal)

What are dining dollars?

Dining Dollars can be spent on food and beverages at any JMU campus dining location (see list below).

  • each time you make a purchase the total is subtracted from the balance in your account
  • if you run low, you can add more Dining Dollars to your plan
  • unused Dining Dollars transfer from fall to spring semester, but do not carry over to the next academic year

Campus dining locations

East Campus Dining Hall at James Madison UniversityEast Campus Dining Hall - the University's newest dining hall serves brick oven pizza, homestyle entrées, deli selections on fresh-baked bread and Indian cuisine from authentic Tandoori ovens

Chick-fil-A - Chicken Tenders, Chicken Nuggets and Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Corner Bistro - Freshly made deli sandwiches, salads and soups

Dog Pound - late night dining

Einstein Bros - bagels

Festival Food Court: home to Cranberry Farms, ElBows, Fired Up, Grab 'n' Go sandwiches, Burger Studio, Montague's Deli, Tumbleweed Farms, Sunrise/Sunset, sushi and soups

Java City - gourmet coffee, snacks, specialty cakes, bagels and muffins in four campus locations

D Hall - main dining hall at James Madison UniversityFresh Food Company at D-Hall (all-you-care-to-eat location) - resident dining with a restaurant atmosphere: made-to-order omelets, home-style meals, deli sandwiches and wraps, international dishes, pizza, salads and desserts.

Starbucks in two campus locations

Jemmy's Corner Market - grocery, health and beauty convenience store

Lakeside Express - for oven-baked specialty sandwiches, pizza, side dishes and desserts

Let's Go - self-serve carry-out bar for sandwiches, bagels, salad, tacos, baked potatoes, pasta, soups, desserts, and more.

Madison Grill - premier sit-down bistro featuring steaks, gourmet sandwiches, and specials.

Market One Food Court: includes Sbarro Italian Eatery, Montague's Deli, The Great Panini, BURGer Junction, Grab 'n' Go sandwiches

Mr Chips - convenience store and Quiznos sandwiches

PC Dukes Food Hall at James Madison UniversityPC Dukes Food Court - serving mini burgers, chicken wraps, stuffed pitas, pizza, Mexican specials, homemade soups, baked potatoes and salads.

POD Express - sandwiches, salads, fruit, snacks, bottled beverages and coffee in two campus locations.

Skyline After Dark - great for a late-night munch: authentic Mexican at Mi Madres Cocina; smoothies and ice cream treats at the Freshëns Smoothie Bar.

Top Dog Café Food Court - Mongolian Grill, Sushi, Madison Bread Company, GrilleWorks

Mrs. Green's - salad bar

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