Oxford, Mississippi: Meal Swipes Now Accepted at Food Trucks
As the 2024-2025 academic year approaches, students at the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss) are in for a treat. Ole Miss Dining recently announced that meal swipes will now be accepted at food trucks around campus, making it easier for students to grab a bite on the go.
New Payment Option for Students
This new initiative was shared through an Instagram post on July 24. Each meal swipe will be considered worth $8.50, similar to cash payments for food items. This change has been a long time coming, having been in the works for several years. Concerns such as logistics, payment systems, and food safety standards had to be addressed before moving forward with this new option.
Amy Anderson, marketing manager for Ole Miss Dining Services, explained the process: “We have integrated Grubhub’s technology to keep track of meal swipes. This makes it possible for food trucks to join the meal plan system efficiently.” The partnership with Grubhub began in January to enhance the overall dining experience for students.
What Students Are Saying
Many students are already welcoming this change. Kamryn Reed, a junior majoring in southern studies, expressed excitement about the new food options. “We used to complain about running out of flex dollars while having lots of meal swipes left unused,” Reed stated. “My little sister is starting at Ole Miss, and I think this will make dining easier for her.” Her sister, Kristian Reed, who is an incoming freshman majoring in allied health studies, added that using meal swipes at food trucks makes them much more appealing. “The food truck experience will be a lot better since the union can get really busy,” she mentioned.
Food Trucks Joining the Scene
Caitlin Magnuson, who runs the Magnolia Coffee Co. truck, is also looking forward to this new payment option. “We are thrilled to accept meal swipes. Making meals accessible is a win for everyone,” she said. She has adjusted her menu for the new format, offering items like lattes for one swipe and a meal plus drink for two swipes.
This change might also attract students who would typically overlook the food trucks. Georgia Skelton, a freshman general studies major and a member of the Ole Miss soccer team, commented, “I want to try the food trucks now that they accept meal swipes.”
Other Dining Changes on Campus
In addition to the food trucks, Chick-fil-A and McAlister’s have swapped locations inside the Ole Miss Student Union. Chick-fil-A moved to the second floor while McAlister’s took its place next to Panda Express on the first floor. Chip Burr, a Resident District Manager for Ole Miss Dining, clarified, “This change is a response to student feedback about menu restrictions at Chick-fil-A.” The hope is that both locations can offer a better dining experience after the shuffle.
Opinions on these changes are mixed. Mareleigh Rayner, a first-year law student, thinks moving McAlister’s will ruin its calming atmosphere and increase wait times. “McAlister’s is usually a quieter place to sit down and eat, but downstairs is always crowded,” she noted. In contrast, sophomore pharmacy major Maddie Cobb supports the move. “Chick-fil-A’s new spot will help reduce congestion and aid in navigation,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Ole Miss Dining Services is also planning to accommodate the increase in student enrollment. Anderson stated, “We are having discussions to manage the increased demand effectively.” Plans include expanding dining hours, increasing seating, and adding more food options to enhance the overall dining experience.
As students gear up for a new year, these changes in dining options appear to be a step in the right direction for enhancing campus life and improving food accessibility for all.
