The University of Massachusetts Amherst provides various meal plan options for students residing in the central dorms. These meal plans are designed to cater to different dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of healthy and delicious food options. The central dorms at UMass Amherst include buildings such as Butterfield, Emerson, and Thatcher, among others.
Meal Plan Options
UMass Amherst offers several meal plan options for students living in the central dorms. These plans are categorized into different tiers, each providing a specific number of meals per week. The meal plans are as follows:
Value Meal Plans
The Value Meal Plans are the most popular options among students. These plans provide a set number of meals per week, which can be used at any of the dining commons on campus. The Value Meal Plans include:
- 120 meals per semester (approximately 7-8 meals per week)
- 140 meals per semester (approximately 9-10 meals per week)
- 160 meals per semester (approximately 10-11 meals per week)
Ultimate Meal Plans
The Ultimate Meal Plans provide students with an unlimited number of meals per week. These plans are ideal for students who want to have the flexibility to eat at any time, without worrying about running out of meals. The Ultimate Meal Plans include:
- Unlimited meals per week, with 200 in Dining Dollars per semester</li> <li>Unlimited meals per week, with 300 in Dining Dollars per semester
Dining Dollars Meal Plans
The Dining Dollars Meal Plans provide students with a set amount of Dining Dollars, which can be used to purchase food at any of the dining locations on campus. These plans are ideal for students who want to have the flexibility to eat at different locations, without being tied to a specific meal plan. The Dining Dollars Meal Plans include:
- 1,000 in Dining Dollars per semester</li> <li>1,500 in Dining Dollars per semester
| Meal Plan Option | Number of Meals per Week | Dining Dollars per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Value Meal Plan (120 meals) | 7-8 meals per week | $0 |
| Value Meal Plan (140 meals) | 9-10 meals per week | $0 |
| Value Meal Plan (160 meals) | 10-11 meals per week | $0 |
| Ultimate Meal Plan | Unlimited meals per week | $200 |
| Ultimate Meal Plan | Unlimited meals per week | $300 |
| Dining Dollars Meal Plan | N/A | $1,000 |
| Dining Dollars Meal Plan | N/A | $1,500 |
Dining Locations and Hours of Operation
UMass Amherst has several dining locations on campus, each offering a unique dining experience. The dining locations and hours of operation are as follows:
- Berkshire Dining Commons: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Franklin Dining Commons: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Worcester Dining Commons: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Hampden Dining Commons: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Special Dietary Options
UMass Amherst offers special dietary options for students with specific dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Students can also request accommodations for food allergies and intolerances.
What is the difference between the Value Meal Plan and the Ultimate Meal Plan?
+The Value Meal Plan provides a set number of meals per week, while the Ultimate Meal Plan provides unlimited meals per week. The Ultimate Meal Plan also includes Dining Dollars, which can be used to purchase food at any of the dining locations on campus.
Can I change my meal plan after the semester starts?
+Yes, students can change their meal plan during the first two weeks of the semester. After the first two weeks, meal plan changes are not allowed.
What if I have a food allergy or intolerance?
+UMass Amherst offers accommodations for food allergies and intolerances. Students can contact the disability services office to request accommodations and work with the dining staff to develop a personalized meal plan.
