Dining on Campus

Dining Dollars

Hofstra Campus Dining, provided by Compass Group, offers students flexible dining dollars contracts to fit their busy schedules and help them stay within budget. With 14 locations and convenient hours, students can refuel and connect with friends and classmates while dining on campus. All purchases made with dining dollars are sales tax-free, allowing students to save money.

All declining balance dining dollars contracts come with a predetermined value, which is loaded onto the student’s Hofstra ID. Dining dollars are deducted from the student’s account each time a purchase is made, similar to a debit card, and are accepted at all dining facilities across campus. As a condition of residency, all students living on campus are required to select a dining dollars contract.

Please visit hofstra.edu/dining fr further details on dining dollars contracts, including cost (click on Dining Dollars Contracts). Rates are subject to change. Dining dollars are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Fall semester dining dollars may be used from the beginning of the fall term through the January Session. Unused fall semester dining dollars are carried over to the spring semester, provided the student purchases the same plan as the fall semester or one of a higher value. Students have the first three weeks of each semester to make any changes to their dining dollars contract, i.e., to upgrade or downgrade. Spring semester dining dollars may be used only during the spring semester. All unused dining dollars are forfeited at the end of the spring semester. Refer to the dining dollars contract for exact dates. All students (residential and local students) can sign up for a dining dollars contract through the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu (select Menu, then Student Services; then select Dining Services Contract under the Dining Services section, and follow the instructions). Students and parents may add dining dollars at any time by visiting hofstra.edu/adddollars. If a student wishes to change or cancel their dining dollars contract, the student must contact the Office of Residence Life and complete a Dining Dollars Contract Change Form during the period outlined in the contract.

Designated dining locations may be closed during holidays or when classes are not in session. Dining locations and hours are listed at hofstra.edu/dining (click on Hours, Locations, & Menus).

Are students required to sign up for a dining dollars contract?  

All undergraduate residential students are required to sign up for a dining dollars contract. Dining dollars are accepted at all dining facilities on campus. Visit hofstra.edu/dining for more information.

Can commuting students purchase a dining dollars contract?

Yes. Commuting students can purchase their dining dollars contract by logging in to the Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu, clicking on Hofstra Online and then visiting the Dining Services section.   

Are special food options available on campus? 

Students with food allergies and special diets can find a wealth of resources available to help ensure that their dining experience is not only enjoyable, but also safe. We have a unique food station in the Mack Student Center that provides menu options that are prepared without peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, crustacean shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, or gluten. The daily offerings of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy snack options are exquisitely prepared to appeal to all guests. Students should look for the Vegetarian, Vegan, Avoiding Gluten, and Balanced Meal symbols next to menu items. These symbols help students identify foods that fit their dietary preferences.

We also have extensive experience with both kosher and halal governance; foods are only sourced through suppliers with kosher or halal certification. Freshly made hot options are served in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center and grab-and-go options are served throughout our dining locations. 

Dietary Concerns   

Hofstra Dining supports a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle. From sourcing our ingredients to preparing our menus, we keep health and wellness at the forefront of everything we do. With the help of our registered dietitian and feedback from our guests, we strive to offer a nutritious and well-balanced dining program. We provide three approaches to food allergen accommodation on campus: self-identification, ingredient information assistance (via package labels and allergen labeling), and support for you to make informed choices. 

If students have any questions or concerns regarding their dietary needs, they can visit hofstra.edu/dining (click on Nutrition, Wellness, & Sustainability > Meet Our Dietitian).