Frequently Asked Questions

All undergrad residential students are required to be on a meal plan. Commuter and off-campus students are not required to have one, but several commuter plans and Flex Dollar options are available.

A meal plan is a dining package available to all IWU students, faculty, and staff for use at campus dining halls and retail locations. Most plans include three components:

• Meal swipes — entry to Baldwin Dining Commons, our all-you-care-to-eat dining hall.
• Meal exchanges — use a swipe for select menu items and meal combinations at participating retail locations (Chick-fil-A, Erbert & Gerbert’s, Grilled Express, Bibimbap, Mario’s and Simply To Go located in Trader James).
• Flex Dollars — work like cash at all dining locations, McConn Coffee Co., and the bookstore.

An IWU Crafted meal plan offers a variety of benefits, including access to campus dining events, personalized support from a registered dietitian, and the convenience of not having to cook or clean. This gives students more time to engage in campus life and focus on their academic goals.

On the All Access plan, you have unlimited swipes into Baldwin, with a 30-minute re-entry delay. For example, if you enter at 11:00 a.m. and leave, you may return at 11:30 a.m. On all other (block) plans, you can swipe up to five times per meal period at Baldwin.

A meal exchange allows you to use a meal swipe for select menu items at participating retail locations instead of using that swipe at Baldwin Dining Hall. With the All Access plan, you can use up to 7 meal exchanges per week with a 30-minute interval between exchanges. On all other plans, you can use as many of your swipes as meal exchanges as you like, up to five per meal period.

Meal exchanges are available on select items and meal combinations, and availability varies by location. We encourage students to take advantage of Baldwin Dining Hall whenever possible. It provides the greatest value within your plan and offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow students and the campus community.

Note: for the All Access plan, the 30-minute meal exchange interval and the 30-minute Baldwin re-entry delay are two separate rules. Using a meal exchange does not affect when you can re-enter Baldwin, and vice versa.

The All Access plan includes 5 guest swipes per semester, which you can use to bring friends for family into Baldwin Dining Hall. When using one of your guest swipes, please stop at the point-of-sale register located on the right-hand side of the Baldwin entrance and let the cashier know before you swipe. The cashier will deduct the guest meal(s) from your semester allotment. You may bring up to 5 guests at one time.

Block plans work differently: since these plans come with a set number of swipes for the semester, you can use any of your own swipes on a guest. Swipe once for each person entering, and the meals draw from your block balance.

Flex Dollars included in your meal plan roll over from Fall to Spring, but any remaining balance expires at the end of the academic year. If you run out, additional Flex Dollars can be purchased by visiting this link. Others may purchase Flex Dollars on your behalf by visiting this link. Additional Flex Dollars purchased never expire.

All students can purchase a meal plan through the housing portal. Plans can be changed before the second Friday of each semester.

Yes. We accept credit and debit cards at all dining locations.

Yes! Our Baldwin2Go program allows you to purchase a reusable to-go box for a one-time fee of $10, with the option to add a reusable bowl, beverage cup, and silverware set for an additional $5. Grab your food to go, then bring the cleaned container(s) back on your next visit and swap it for new. Visit our cashier for more information.

Healthy options are available daily across Baldwin’s stations, and nutrition information can be viewed in real time through the Everyday App. Our Simple Servings station is free of the top 9 allergens. Meal plan holders also have access to our dietitian for one-on-one guidance.

Connect with our dietitian for a one-on-one consultation or help navigating the dining hall. We encourage students with medical dietary restrictions to contact accessibility services to document needs for housing and/or dining accommodations.

Visit the Feedback tab under the Contact menu on this website, or text IWUCrafted to 82257 to reach the dining team directly. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @IWUcrafted

Absolutely! We offer several commuter meal plans designed to fit a variety of schedules and dining habits. Additional Flex Dollars are also available for students who prefer the flexibility of purchasing snacks or meals throughout the day.

• Everyday App – View Baldwin menus, nutrition information, and allergens in advance!
• Transact Mobile Ordering App – Skip the line and order from Wildcat Express from your phone! Conveniently pick up from a locker within 20 minutes of notification that your order is ready.
• SodexoMyWay – Your hub for all things dining! View meal plan options, dining hours, locations, meal plan information, add Flex Dollars, and more!
• Card Balance – Check your card balance here.

Our current hours of operation can be viewed here.