Meal Plans

A comprehensive, mandatory meal plan is part of the accommodation package for Residence Halls students.

• All Access Dining** in the Residence Dining Hall + $800.00 declining balance
• Students are allowed unlimited entry into the Residence Dining Hall during regular hours of operation
• Declining balance dollars can be used anywhere on campus where food service is operated by Aramark.

**Note:  With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the specific food service model and service outlets will depend on current health unit guidelines and the number of students, faculty and staff on campus.  The Food Services mandate is to continue to ensure that fresh food will be provided on campus with a variety of options that can meet many dietary needs.  Provincial Guidelines will dictate the style of service available: Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery.

What is declining balance?

Declining balance works similar to money on a debit card, and is stored with a student's meal plan information on their Lakehead University Student ID Card.  Every time a purchase is made using Declining Balance, the total cost is subtracted from the dollar balance on the person's student card.

Please note: there are no refunds on unused meals and/or declining balance amounts nor do they carry over to the next academic year.

As each unit in these accommodations has a full kitchen, meal plans are not mandatory. However, the Food Services Office offers several attractive meal plan options to those students not wishing to prepare all of their own meals.

See https://lakeheadu.campusdish.com/ for voluntary meal plans.

Please note: there are no refunds on unused meals and/or declining balance amounts nor do they carry over to the next academic year.

For more information please contact the Aramark Office. (807) 343-8142

Open 7 days a week  - Click here for hours of operation

Note: Cafeteria closures will only be put in effect during a residence-wide quarantine. A delivery model will be used to continue food services to meal plan students. 

Click here to see what is on the menu in the Residence Dining Hall

Click here to see a sample menu

Students can manage their meal plans and declining balance.

Go to Campus Dish website:

1. Go to Sign In in the top right-hand corner
2. Sign up for an Account
3. Click on drop down beside your name once account is created
4. Check balance
5. Link card

Click here for dining locations on campus

Meals 2 Go

Grocery Program

Rules and Regulations are enforced by Management and Resident Assistants. Violations may result in appropriate Disciplinary Actions.

Note:  Provincial Guidelines will dictate the style of service (Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery) based on the current Public Health Zone on campus.  See below for further amendments to service.

1. Entry requires a valid Meal Plan Card, Conference Card or Cash payment.
2. Entry is only permitted at the designated door.
3. Regular Operation requires all students to dine-in only. (Food cannot be taken 'to-go')
4. Dining Hall Patrons are required to clear their soiled dishes to the Scraping Station.
5. Dishes, Cutlery and other items are not to be removed from the Dining Hall.
6. Your Meal Plan Card is for Your Use Only. It is not transferable.
7. Due to Ontario Healthy Mean Choices Act, 2015, S.O. 2015 c. 5, Sched. 1, we are required to post nutritional values for all food served, and out staff must serve the assigned portion Seconds are available on a limited basis after consumption of the prior servings. 
8. Dining Hall Patrons are required to use the provided utensils for self service items in order to prevent contamination. 
9. Be respectful of your surroundings, your fellow patrons and the service providers. 
10. Dining Hall Patrons are required to wear appropriate footwear and clothing at all times.
11. Dining Hall Patrons may fill their own, reasonably sized, water bottle from our beverage selections, excluding juice, milk and chocolate milk.

Covid-19 Protocols - Green to Grey Zone:
1. The Cafeteria is run as a take-out service only, students may take out food at any time during the Hours of Operation.
2. Mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand hygiene protocols must be followed within the Cafeteria space.  These rules will be sign-posted for reference within the facility.
3. At any time the service style may need to change with escalating governmental or health unit restrictions:  students will be given as much notice as possible when these changes are mandated.
4. The use of personal, reusable food or beverage containers is not allowed at this time (ie. tupperware or travel mugs)

Quarantine:

During a quarantine or self-isolation, a meal-delivery model will be implemented. This has been arranged with assistance from our Residence Services staff including meal selection and delivery times.  A delivery model with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be arranged to student(s)' rooms.

A comprehensive, mandatory meal plan is part of the accommodation package for Residence Halls students.  This all Access Meal Plan is also open to any student:  on or off campus.

• $5,130.00 - All Access Dining** in the Residence Dining Hall (Includes $800.00 declining balance dollars)
• Students are allowed unlimited entry into the Residence Dining Hall during regular hours of operation
• Declining balance dollars can be used anywhere on campus where food service is operated by Aramark.

**Note:  With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the specific food service model and service outlets will depend on current health unit guidelines and the number of students, faculty and staff on campus.  The Food Services mandate is to continue to ensure that fresh food will be provided on campus with a variety of options that can meet many dietary needs.  Provincial Guidelines will dictate the style of service available: Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery.

See https://lakeheadu.campusdish.com/ for All Access meal plans.

Please note: there are no refunds on unused meals and/or declining balance amounts nor do they carry over to the next academic year.

For more information please contact the Aramark Office. (807) 343-8142

What is declining balance?

Declining balance works similar to money on a debit card, and is stored with a student's meal plan information on their Lakehead University Student ID Card.  Every time a purchase is made using Declining Balance, the total cost is subtracted from the dollar balance on the person's student card.

Please note: there are no refunds on unused meals and/or declining balance amounts nor do they carry over to the next academic year.  Declining balance amounts are active September to April of the registered academic year.

Declining Balance dollars can be used at:

• Starbucks
• Main Cafeteria**
• Subway**
• Dan's Diner**
• Pizza Pizza**
• Persian Man/ATAC**
• Library Cafe**
• Catertrax:  Grocery Program
• Catertrax:  Meals2Go

**Note:  With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the specific food service model and service outlets will depend on current health unit guidelines and the number of students, faculty and staff on campus.  The Food Services mandate is to ensure that fresh food will be provided on campus with a variety of options that can meet many dietary needs.  Provincial Guidelines will dictate the style of service available:  Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery.

Follow us on Instagram @lakeheaddining

As our Townhouse and Apartment units have full kitchens, meal plans are not mandatory. However, the Food Services Office offers several attractive meal plan options to those students not wishing to prepare all of their own meals.

See https://lakeheadu.campusdish.com/ for voluntary meal plans.

Please note: there are no refunds on unused meals and/or declining balance amounts nor do they carry over to the next academic year.

For more information please contact the Aramark Office. (807) 343-8010 ext. 8929
Follow us on Instagram @lakeheaddining

Hours of Operation
Open 7 days a week - Click here for hours of operation

We continue to adapt our Hours of Operation around Student Dining Trends, Feedback and Operation Need - We will be confirming our September Start-Up Hours in August.  See below our hours for the last 2 years. 

Click here to see what is on the menu in the Residence Dining Hall

Click here to view a sample menu

Students can manage their meal plans and declining balance.

Go to Campus Dish website:

1. Go to Sign In in the top right-hand corner
2. Sign up for an Account
3. Click on drop down beside your name once account is created
4. Check balance
5. Link card

Follow us on Instagram @lakeheaddining

Allergies 
There are a range of allergies that our Food Service Partner is experienced in navigating. These range from serious allergies to less common highly specialized food sensitivities. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves when their needs are in question. 

Please note that even though our Food Service Provider makes every attempt to mitigate the most common food allergies, we cannot guarantee our facilities are free from specific allergens of concerns. Please contact the Food Services Office to discuss your particular needs. 

Vegan/Vegetarian 
Don’t worry, there’ll be more than just a hunk of tofu waiting for you. Our kitchen is experienced in preparing a wide variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian meals. 

Dietary Restrictions 
Students who require specific diets due to medical conditions such as Celiac Disease, Diabetes and other intolerances are encouraged to advocate for themselves and maintain a free-flow of communication with our Food Services Partner - Aramark - and our Food Services Office.  

Religious and/or Cultural Food Requirements
Students who require food that adheres with specific religious or cultural requirements are encouraged to reach out to our food services team, please contact us (see below).  

Rules and Regulations are enforced by Management and Resident Assistants. Violations may result in appropriate Disciplinary Actions.

Note:  Provincial Guidelines will dictate the style of service (Dine In, Take Out, or Delivery).  See below for further amendments to service.  Any changes to service or operation will also be posted in the Dining Hall for guests.

1. Entry requires a valid Meal Plan Card, Conference Card or Cash payment.
2. Entry is only permitted at the designated door.
3. Regular Operation requires all students to dine-in only.  (Food cannot be taken 'to-go')
4. Dining Hall Patrons are required to clear their soiled dishes to the Scraping Station.
5. Dishes, Cutlery and other items are not to be removed from the Dining Hall.
6. Your Meal Plan Card is for Your Use Only. It is not transferable.
7. Due to Ontario Healthy Mean Choices Act, 2015, S.O. 2015 c. 5, Sched. 1, we are required to post nutritional values for all food served, and out staff must serve the assigned portion Seconds are available on a limited basis after consumption of the prior servings. 
8. Dining Hall Patrons are required to use the provided utensils for self service items in order to prevent contamination. 
9. Be respectful of your surroundings, your fellow patrons and the service providers. 
10. Dining Hall Patrons are required to wear appropriate footwear and clothing at all times.
11. Dining Hall Patrons may fill their own, reasonably sized, water bottle from our beverage selections, excluding juice, milk and chocolate milk.

Covid-19 Protocols (if no indoor seating allowed):
1. The Cafeteria is run as a take-out service only, students may take out food at any time during the Hours of Operation.

2. Mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand hygiene protocols must be followed within the Cafeteria space.  These rules will be sign-posted for reference within the facility.
3. At any time the service style may need to change with escalating governmental or health unit restrictions:  students will be given as much notice as possible when these changes are mandated.
4. The use of personal, reusable food or beverage containers is not allowed at this time (ie. tupperware or travel mugs)

Protocol during Quarantine or Self-Isolation:
During a quarantine or self-isolation, a meal-delivery model will be implemented. This has been arranged with assistance from our Residence Services staff including meal selection and delivery times.  A delivery model with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be arranged to student(s)' rooms.

We have various Food Service Outlets available on campus for you to enjoy - either by standard forms of payment or by using DB dollars on your student or staff card. 

**Note:  With the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, the specific food service model and service outlets will depend on current health unit guidelines and the number of students, faculty and staff on campus. Please check the links below or contact Food Services (manager.aramark@lakeheadu.ca) for the most up-to-date information on our hours of operation.

Click the links here for current options and hours of operation: 

Click here for dining locations on campus

Don’t worry if you get too busy to cook or head to the grocery store! Check out Catertrax for ready-made meals for pick up and order your groceries for pick up or delivery. These services are available to anyone on & off campus!

Meals 2 Go
Grocery Program
Follow us on Instagram @lakeheaddining

LUSU
Through the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU), our Food Services are complemented by two Union-Run operations: The Study and The Outpost. Find more information here: https://www.lusu.ca/ancillaries/ 

JUNE 2021: 
For Fall 2021, Lakehead University will continue to adhere to health guidelines that help diminish the spread of COVID-19, which may include self-screenings, masking, physical distancing, and hand-washing.  If public health units advise differently, we will make adjustments.

We are closely following the updates to Governmental Regulations and Health Unit recommendations to serve our guests in the safest way possible. As we navigate the uncertain changes through this pandemic, we strive to open our operations with your health and safety at the forefront while balancing our operational limitations. All of our menu and operational decisions are made with the support and assistance of our Residence Life team to ensure our students have a variety of healthy options throughout the year. Thank you for your patience and understanding and know that we are here to listen to your feedback, concerns and suggestions. 

To ensure workplace safety and maintain a safe environment to serve our customers, we are following safety protocols at our locations including temperature checks and daily health screening.

We ask that you follow these criteria:

• Facial coverings are required in any Food Service Outlet.  

• Ensure 2 meter distancing at all times.

• Practice hand-hygiene.  Hand sanitizer is available at all locations.

We are working together to ensure that you and our staff are safe. A decision in the opening of our various Food Service Outlets for September has not yet be made. (Avila Centre Pizza Pizza, ATAC & Library Cafes, Dan’s Diner) 

In-Person Meetings are by Appointment Only.  Please ensure you contact us to arrange a meeting in our office in advance.

Follow us on Instagram @lakeheaddining

Aramark Office: Located in the University Centre - Entrance to the office is in the ‘Alumni Commons’ Hallway towards the Faculty Lounge. When standing in the Agora, walk towards Lake Tamblyn and follow the hallway until you reach the “Aramark Office” door on your left-hand side. 

James Kostick
Aramark Manager
(807) 343-8010 ext. 8929
manager.aramark@lakeheadu.ca 

Food & Conference Services Office:  Located in Bartley Residence - Kenora / K107. The Bartley Residence is a separate building to the main campus, located on the other side of Lake Tamblyn. If you follow the path towards the Residences, you will find the Bartley Entrance off of the main road leading from campus. Upon entering the building, our Front Desk team can direct you or take a left and sharp right into the carpeted area of the building (you are now in the “Conference Centre”). There is another door on your left-hand side that leads into an office area. Please follow the hallway to K109. 

Christine Costa-Wilson
Director, Food and Conference Services - Thunder Bay and Orillia 
(807) 343-8010 ext. 8779
ccosta@lakeheadu.ca