Meal plans

Overview

The Standard Meal Plan is mandatory for all students living in a dormitory and optional for other on-campus arrangements (Cluster, Family, Apartment or Pod-Style Housing).

Optional students: complete this registration form to apply and drop it off in person at the UNFS office.

As everyone is unique, with varying appetites and dietary needs, the Standard Meal Plan is not a “one size fits all” solution. The Standard Meal Plan is designed for students with an average appetite who may be off campus for breaks, holidays and weekends.

Breakdown of Fees

Upon acceptance into a dormitory residence, you are automatically placed onto a Standard Meal Plan and the cost of your plan is included within your Residence fees. You are charged $3,485 per semester for the Standard Meal Plan-a total of $6,970 for the school year.

Standard Meal Plan Fee Breakdown

 Standard Meal Plan Dollars: These funds are loaded onto your ONECard Meal Plan Account for food purchases at The Cove and other UNFS outlets. These funds are tax exempt* and receive a 50% price reduction at The Cove (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store), and a 5% discount at all other UNFS outlets.

Flex Funds: These funds are loaded onto your ONECard Flex Account for use at campus retailers including all UNFS outlets (5% discount), the UVic Bookstore, Student Union Building, CARSA, McKinnon Gym and for printing & photocopying services.

Service Delivery Fee: All Standard Meal Plan dollars are subject to a 50% upfront fee that is offset by the 50% price reduction a student receives at The Cove (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store). This fee allows UNFS to manage its cash flow by covering the costs of labour, administration and maintenance associated with a self-operated dining program and is a system used by many universities across Canada.

Capital Improvement Fund (CIF): This is a non-refundable fee used for capital investments that directly enhances residence dining environments, facilities and equipment. It is deducted from your meal plan cost and cannot be used to make food purchases.

*Purchases at the Mystic Market General Store and Cove Market Express cannot be made with this plan due to government regulations regarding tax-exempt meal plans.

How the Meal Plan Works on Campus

The funds on your Standard Meal Plan are tax exempt and therefore you will not pay taxes on any qualifying purchases. You will also enjoy an additional 5% off at all UNFS retail locations.

Standard Meal Plan funds are intended for primary use at the The Cove. 

All funds on the Standard Meal Plan are non-refundable. At the end of the academic year, any remaining, unused funds from your Standard Meal Plan are automatically placed into a Carry Forward Account. These funds are accessible on your ONECard for future purchases from any University Food Services outlet and provide a 5% discount, however, these funds will no longer be tax exempt. Any remaining Flex Funds will remain untouched on your ONECard for future use.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who have not yet paid their residence fees in full will only have one month of Meal Plan funds loaded onto their ONECard. The full amount will be loaded once payment of residence fees is received in full.

Overview

The Ultra Meal Plan is optional for students registered for the Standard Meal Plan.

The Ultra Meal Plan offers an upgraded option to The Standard Meal Plan. This option is ideal for those who spend most weekends on campus, athletes, or anyone with a heartier appetite. The Ultra Meal Plan is customisable, allowing additional funds in $500 increments to better suit your dining needs, subject to the service delivery fee.

Breakdown of the Ultra Meal Plan

 Ultra Residence Meal Plan ($500/increment) 

Adding the Ultra Meal Plan

Residents interested in upgrading to the Ultra Meal Plan can do so at any time by completing this application form and dropping it off in-person at the UNFS office. This flexibility ensures that you can adjust your meal plan to match your current needs, whether you're seeking more variety, larger portions, or both.

Optimised for Larger Appetites: Tailored for students with a robust appetite, including athletes and those frequently on campus during weekends.

Flexible Upgrades: Easily add to your plan in $500 increments to ensure your dining needs are always met.

Service Delivery Fee: All Ultra Meal Plan dollars are subject to a 50% upfront fee that is offset by the 50% price reduction a student receives at The Cove (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store). This fee allows UNFS to manage its cash flow by covering the costs of labour, administration and maintenance associated with a self-operated dining program and is a system used by many universities across Canada.

Exceptional Value at The Cove & Mystic Market: Enjoy a 50% discount on all food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases at The Cove Residence Dining facility (excluding Cove Market Express) and Mystic Market (excluding the General Store), as a compensation for the service delivery fee.

Additional Savings: All purchases at other UNFS retail outlets are tax-exempt and come with a 5% discount, stretching your dollar further.

Exclusions Apply: Due to government regulations on tax-exempt meal plans, Ultra Meal Plan funds cannot be used at the General Store or Cove Market Express.

Benefit from Your Ultra Meal Plan Across Campus

With the Ultra Meal Plan, not only do you benefit from substantial discounts at The Cove and Mystic Market, but you also enjoy tax exemptions and a 5% discount at all other UNFS retail locations. This plan is crafted to provide maximum value and convenience, catering to the diverse needs of our student body.

Based on your appetite and anticipated time spent on campus, you may find you need additional funds beyond what the Standard Meal Plan provides-for this scenario we offer the +PLUS Account. The +PLUS Account allows you to customize the standard meal plan for your needs.

The +PLUS Account:

• Best value for purchases outside The Cove & Mystic Market
• Easily load funds online at any time
• Funds not subject to Service Delivery Fee
• All qualifying purchases are tax exempt
• Additional 5% off for 10% total savings at all University Food Services outlets

All funds added to a +PLUS Account are non-refundable. At the end of the academic year, any remaining, unused funds from your +PLUS Account are automatically placed into a Carry Forward Account. These funds are accessible on your ONECard for future purchases from any University Food Services outlet and provide a 5% discount, however, these funds will no longer be tax exempt. 

Overview

The Tax Exempt Meal Plan provides financial benefit when eating on campus. You will not pay GST on any qualifying purchases and will also receive an additional 5% discount at all UNFS locations, for 10% total savings. A Tax Exempt Meal Plan is optional and available for purchase at any time. This plan is administered through the +PLUS Account.

This plan is designed for:

• students living in Cluster, Family, Apartment or Pod-Style Housing
• students living off campus & frequently eat on campus

How to Apply 

Choose your plan from the options below and complete this application form. Email your completed form to eat@uvic.ca or drop it off in-person at the UNFS office. 

Conditions of the Plan

• The plan works on a declining balance system, with funds available for food purchases only
• This plan is designed for students who do not qualify for the standard residence meal plan
• For the monthly plan to continue to receive its tax exempt status, another monthly payment must be received 3 business days into the next month.
• Purchases are charged at regular price and receive a 5% discount at all UNFS locations
• Purchases cannot be made with this plan at the Mystic Market General Store or Cove Market Express due to government regulations surrounding Tax Exempt Meal Plans.
• The plan does not work at the Student Union Building (SUB) or Starbucks

All meal plans are non-refundable. When your meal plan expires, any remaining balance will be automatically transferred to a Carry Forward account that allows you to continue spending your remaining money on campus, whether you live on or off campus.