Swiping away freedom: VCU Dine’s new meal plan rules

Jessica Holgado, Contributing Writer

When I first arrived at Virginia Commonwealth University as a freshman, I was excited about the freedom that came with my meal plan. I could swipe my card and enjoy a variety of food options including steak, scallops, calamari and crab cake. 

The dining plan was my ticket to freedom, a culinary adventure waiting at every swipe. Unlimited access to a variety of locations, from Raising Canes to Shafer Court, all while allowing me to focus on my studies without worrying about my meals. 

Things have changed dramatically since then. Now, the regular meal plan restricts students to six transactions per hour and eight per day, while the premium plan has 12 transactions in a 24-hour grace period. 

Moreover, the menu options have been reduced. Gone are the days of steak and scallops. Instead, we only now have a chef’s specialty at Avo’s Kitchen, which doesn’t always meet my dietary needs. Some days bring a mouthwatering feast of grilled shrimp skewers, fries and a smash burger, while others offer a simple pepperoni flatbread.

Two years later, I am no longer that wide-eyed freshman, but I decided to relive my past and use my cousin’s meal plan for a day. I was excited, ready to devour the delicacies I had been missing.

I went to Rams Coop — previously Raising Canes — but as I swiped the card, the cashier gave me a look of sympathy and discomfort. 

“I’m sorry, but you’ve already used up six swipes within the hour. You’ll have to wait,” she said. 

I stood there stunned and embarrassed. The freedom I once enjoyed was now a distant memory, replaced by restrictions and limitations.

That’s when I realized how much the dining plan had changed and how it was affecting newer students like my cousin. The joy of unlimited swipes was gone, replaced by a system that seemed more like a trap than a plan. This was not the dining experience I remembered, or the one I wanted for future students.

These alterations don’t just affect students, they also impact families and guests. In the past, I could use my swipes to treat my visiting family to a meal on campus. Now, this is no longer possible.

VCU’s system is not nearly as simple as it used to be. Before, I could use two swipes for the salmon sushi at Bento Sushi — my favorite dish. Now, I’d have to calculate the cost of the meals to make sure they add up to at least $6.98 and no more than $9.40 for one swipe. If I were still a freshman, this would add unnecessary stress to my already busy schedule.

The end of the semester brings another challenge: Using up all the remaining swipes. As a freshman, I remember sharing my leftover swipes with friends, family and even homeless people. Now, students can’t get more than eight or 12 swipes a day for themselves, let alone others.

These adjustments have turned what was once a simple and convenient system into a source of stress and frustration. Students should be able to use their swipes however they want. After all, it’s our money.

While the alterations to VCU Dining’s meal plan may have been made with good intentions, they have had unintended negative consequences. I hope the university will reconsider these changes and find a way to make the meal plan work for all students.