Food Services
Hager Lifelong Education Center, Rm. A137 · (570) 327-4767
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I have to choose a certain meal plan if I live in a Residence Hall?
- When can I start to use my Meal Plan?
- Where can I use my Meal Plan card?
- Can I take money out of my Meal Plan account?
- Can I use financial aid to purchase a Meal Plan?
- Can I switch my Meal Plan?
- Can I switch my Meal Plan to Wildcat Plus?
- What does the average meal cost?
- What options are there for vegetarians?
- What happens if my Declining Balance Meal Plan funds or Flex Dollars are running low?
- What do I do if I lose my Meal Plan card?
- Which plan should I choose if most of my classes are at the Earth Science Center or Aviation Center?
- Are latex gloves used by our food service employees?
- Can I use a credit or debit card in the dining units?
- Is there any assistance or nutritional counseling available if I have a food allergy or sensitivity?
- What is the difference between a Meal Plan and Wildcat Plus?
Q: Do I have to choose a certain meal plan if I live in Residence Hall?
A: Yes. Students living in a residence hall select a meal plan as part of the housing contract. First year students may select from the 14- or 10- meal board plan. Returning students may choose from a 14-, 10- or 5- meal board plan.
Q: When can I start to use my Meal Plan?
A: Declining Balance Plans, flex dollars, and Wildcat Plus can be used beginning on the Saturday before classes start. Board plan meals go into effect the Sunday before classes start.
Q: Where can I use my Meal Plan card?
A: The Meal Plan card can be used in any of our dining units, and in the student-operated restaurant, Le Jeune Chef. The money in your meal plan account can ONLY be used to purchase food in our dining units and all items in our convenience stores.
Q: Can I take money out of my Meal Plan account?
A: No, that money has been set aside strictly for food or those items in our convenience store. At the end of the semester, any unused funds (in excess of $10) in a Declining Balance Plan or Wildcat Plus account will automatically be refunded to you.
Note: Board plans and flex dollars do not carry over from semester-to-semester and are not refunded.
Q: Can I use financial aid to purchase a Meal Plan?
A: Yes. The best way to do this is through the SIS system under Optional Charges. This allows us to apply your financial aid to the Meal Plan and it automatically puts any Meal Plan charges on your tuition bill. We also accept Meal Plan applications in our office (LEC/A137) during the first two weeks of classes.
Note: You cannot use Financial Aid to purchase Wildcat Plus.
A: The best time to switch your meal plan is between semesters or just prior to the start of each semester. Meal Plan changes during the first week of the semester will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can I switch my Meal Plan to Wildcat Plus?
A: No. Meal Plans and Wildcat Plus are two separate types of accounts, and funds cannot be switched from one to another.
Q: What does the average meal cost?
A: This depends on which food service area you are patronizing. The average cost for hot entrees in our main cafeteria (Susquehanna Room) ranges from $3.89 - $7.29. Most meals are a la carte style, so costs vary. A buffet meal at CC Commons ranges from $7.95 - $9.95.
Q: What options are there for vegetarians?
A: The main cafeteria (Susquehanna Room) has a salad bar, garden burgers, veggie hoagies, and several hot vegetarian entrees such as baked ziti, vegetable stir fry, macaroni and cheese, and vegetable pockets. Other food service areas also have salads and vegetarian alternatives.
Q: What happens if my Declining Balance Meal Plan funds or Flex Dollars are running low?
A: Adding on to a meal plan is easy and convenient. Add-ons can be done online with a credit card. You will need your information to log on to the SIS to complete this process.
Q: What do I do if I lose my Meal Plan card?
A: Immediately report your lost or stolen card through the SIS. Click on the Meal Plan / Membership link and the Report lost card button. Next, go to the ID Center in the Bush Campus Center to obtain a new card (a $10 charge may be applied).
Q: Which plan should I choose if most of my classes are at the Earth Science Center or Aviation Center?
A: Any meal plan will work for a student attending classes at the Earth Science Center or Aviation Center. Both locations have daily options to use your board plan meals or declining balance dollars.
Q: Are latex gloves used by our food service employees?
A: No, only vinyl gloves are used due to latex allergies and sensitivities in our staff and students. However, at this time we recently became aware that the processors of our salad and sandwich produce products use latex gloves at their plants. Anyone with latex allergies should refrain from eating these products. We are working with these companies to correct this problem or are seeking to find alternate products that are latex free.
Q: Can I use a credit or debit card in the dining units?
A: Yes. We accept credit and non-pin number debit cards at dining unit registers. Accepted cards include MasterCard, Visa, Discover and the PCTOne Debit Card. All registers also accept meal plans, wildcat plus and cash.
Q: Is there any assistance or nutritional counseling available if I have a food allergy or sensitivity?
A: Yes, we have a registered dietician on staff. Appointments may be set up with her to discuss any needs or concerns you may have. Visit the nutrition page to find out office hours and other information.
If you have any other questions please contact the Food Services office at (570) 327-4767 or via e-mail foodserv@pct.edu.
Q: What is the difference between a Meal Plan and Wildcat Plus?
A: A Meal Plan is money set aside just for use at on-campus food establishments. Wildcat Plus can be used at various on- campus locations. Financial aid and loans can be used to set up a meal plan, but cannot be used for Wildcat Plus.