Cal Poly Pomona Dining Services has developed new concepts to offer exceptional dining experiences that support and nourish students throughout their residency at the university. The residential dining facility is customized to each individuals' needs with fresh, wholesome, cooked-from-scratch and prepared-to-order meals. Our team has portrayed a 1-to-1 ratio with residents to ensure that Cal Poly Pomona Dining Services is providing a variety of delicious and accessible options.
FAQ's
How does my meal plan work?
Residents living on campus may choose from the following meal plans:
- The All-Access Unlimited (unlimited non-transferrable access to meals at the residential dining facility plus $250 meal points per semester)
- The 220 (Block of 220 all-access meal swipes plus $630 meal points per semester)
- The 180 (Block of 180 all-access meal swipes plus $630 meal points per semester)
- The 140 (Block of 140 all-access meal swipes plus $630 meal points per semester)
For residents living at the Suites, the following plan is also available:
- Suites Flex Plan* (Block of 70 all-access meal swipes plus $750 meal points per semester)
*Meal swipe exchanges are accepted at Fitbites/Vista Market.
What if I moved in mid-term? Do I have to pay for the whole plan?
No worries! We will prorate your plan based upon your existing purchases.
What is a meal service?
A meal service is the time period in which meals are offered. Our dining hall offers continuous service throughout the day to best serve the Cal Poly Pomona community.
- Breakfast: Begins at 7 a.m.
- Lunch/Brunch: Begins at 11 a.m.
- Dinner: Begins at 5 p.m.
- Late Night: Begins at 9 p.m.
What are your hours of service, and what food is available at a given time?
Please visit our website at cppdining.com for the latest information on hours of service.
Though there is no limit to how many times you may enter the dining hall on a given day, some of our service platforms may not be available depending on the time of day.
Can students take food “to go?”
Absolutely! All new residents are given a reusable “to go” box upon move-in. Bring in your used box when you are done, and we will replace it with a clean one! Please note that only one “to go” meal is offered per day.
Lose your box? Boxes are available for purchase at the entrance of the dining hall.
What are Meal Swipes?
Meal Swipes are used only for dining at our residential dining facility. Suites Flex Plan members are allowed to “exchange” a meal for cash value at The Den and Vista Market.
How many Meal Swipes can I use in one day?
You may use as many Meal Swipes as you please per day at the residential dining facility.
Suites Flex Plans are limited to one exchange per day, and all plans are limited to one “to go” meal.
I am on a Suites Flex Plan, what are "exchanges" and where can I use them?
A Meal Swipe exchange is an enhancement to the Suites Flex Plan meal plan that allows Suites residents to use their Meal Swipes at The Den or Vista Market.
A Meal Exchange has a dollar value of $7.00 at The Den or Vista Market. You may use your meal points, cash, or Bronco Bucks if your purchase exceeds this limit at these locations. Please note that no change will be given if your purchase is under $7.00.
What is the difference between Meal Points and Bronco Bucks?
Meal Points
Meal Points are similar to a prepaid debit card and can be used at any food venue on campus. One Meal Point is equivalent to one US dollar. Meal Points are included with the mandatory Residential Suites Flex Plan, All Access Unlimited Plan, and 220, 180, 140 block plans for the residence halls. These plans generally come bundled with your housing contract. Meal Points are for food purchases only and are not accepted for books, supplies, clothing, movie tickets, printing on campus, or any other non-food items.
Additionally, select vending machines on campus accept Meal Points. Meal Points carry over from the fall to spring semester as long as your University Housing Services account is in good standing. Unused Meal Points expire at the end of the spring semester and are non-refundable.
Bronco Bucks
Using Bronco Bucks is a fast, convenient and cashless way to make purchases on campus. Bronco Bucks work similar to a regular bank debit account, and any student, staff, or faculty member (or parent/guardian) can add Bronco Bucks to their Bronco Access Card (Cal Poly Pomona ID card) without having a meal plan or in addition to a meal plan. You simply deposit money into your account and these funds may be spent using your Bronco Access Card at any food venue, convenience store, select vending machines, the Bronco Bookstore, computer labs, ASI Box Office and for printing and copying at the library and help desk. Bronco Bucks never expire as long as you are an active student, faculty or staff member, or emeritus. Meal Points cannot be converted into Bronco Bucks.
Keep in mind, if you have both Meal Points and Bronco Bucks, be sure to let the cashier know which account you would like to use to make your purchase.
Do my Meal Swipes roll over between semesters?
No, your Meal Swipes do not roll over between semesters. However, Meal Points do!
Can I pay for a friend using my meal plan?
You can use your Meal Points to buy food for anyone you wish, including meals at our residential dining facility. Your Meal Swipes, however, are non-transferrable, meaning only you can dine using this portion of your plan.
When does my Meal Plan refresh with Meal Swipes and Meal Points?
The block Meal Plans replenish at the beginning of each semester. It is important to note that the unused meals do not roll over from semester to semester.
Meal Points, however, are replenished at the beginning of each semester and roll over from the fall to the spring semester. Unused points at the end of the spring semester are forfeited.
How do I change my meal plan?
Meal plan change requests are processed through University Housing Services. If you wish to change your meal plan for the following semester, requests can be submitted online via the University Housing Services StudentWeb during the last two weeks of the semester. You may also upgrade your meal plan at any time by contacting University Housing Services at 909-869-3307.
Are dining plans mandatory for first-year students living on campus?
Dining Services and University Housing policies require that all incoming first-year students living on campus have a dining plan for the full academic year. Please review the housing and dining contract carefully before submitting the initial payment registration.
What is the Eat Well program?
Our Eat Well program is a school-wide program that helps meet the nutritional needs of students. We understand that every individual has different needs and goals, and Eat Well provides a variety of dining options. Our convenience stores on campus have revamped some of their products with this program, and premade Eat Well meals are available for purchase at select locations.
Whom can I contact for nutrition-related questions or concerns?
Our Foundation Dining Services nutritionist is available to assist students with dietary restrictions, allergen-specific needs, eating habits, planning goals, balanced diet information, healthy options on campus and more. You can reach our nutritionist at fdnnutrition@cpp.edu.
Are there special dining events offered on campus?
Yes, Centerpoint Dining Commons offers residents several different dining events throughout the year. Our executive chef and marketing team frequently plan fun and exciting events for the Cal Poly Pomona community.
Are there plant-based options on campus?
Yes, we have recently expanded the plant-based options on campus.
Our dining hall has implemented seven plant-based stations where students can freely choose options that meet their needs. We have also launched new concepts in our retail locations that have given students more options to meet their evolving needs. For more information about where to find plant-based options on campus, please do not hesitate to speak with our student nutritionist at fdnnutrition@cpp.edu.