In 2019 JMU ranked #5 in the nation for "Best Campus Food" by the Princeton Review, so it is definitely worthwhile to explore the dining halls while you are here.

It can be overwhelming to try and learn a new school's dining system, so here are some tips for navigating JMU dining.

Flex vs. Dining Dollars vs. Meal Plan

• Flex
  Flex is money you load onto your JACard. This allows you to use your JAC card similar to a debit card. Flex can be spent at all dining halls and several places off campus, for example, Food Lion. Flex accounts are a very popular option because there is a 5% discount on dining purchases on campus. Money on Flex will roll over between semesters and academic years but will expire after two semesters of account inactivity.

• Dining Dollars
  Dining Dollars are either part of the meal plan you purchase or can be added separately in a Dining Dollars GOLD account. The benefit of using Dining Dollars Gold over Flex is that you get a 5% discount and no sales tax on dining purchases on campus. Dining dollars that are part of a meal plan expire at the end of the semester they were purchased. Dining Dollars GOLD works the same as a Flex account in terms of expiration.

• Meal Plans
  Meal Plans can be used at most dining locations. In an all-you-can-eat setting, they allow you entrance to the dining hall, in an a la carte setting. Meal Plans include meal swipes, dining dollars, and Duke Deals. 

Explore which dining locations are convenient for you on campus!