At the start of the fall semester, SJU Dining Services implemented a meal exchange program that allows students who have a Campion Dining Hall meal plan to use their swipes at Campion Food Court, also known as DB.

In the past, students could only use their swipes in the Campion Dining Hall. If they wanted to eat at DB, they had to pay with cash or with HawkCash, money they load onto their student ID.

Mark Giardini, general manager of SJU Dining Services, said the new option was designed “to add value and flexibility.”

“We’re always looking to evolve our dining program by adding value to the meal plans and making enhancements,” Giardini said. “So, based on the feedback that we received in surveys and dining committee meetings and other engagements with the student body, that’s really the reason that we decided to move forward with the meal exchange program.”

Under the new meal exchange program, with every meal plan purchased, diners are allowed to swap up to 15 Campion swipes for 15 swipes at Grille Works and York Street Deli. The DB swipe option allows diners to receive a sandwich, a side and a drink. The program does not work at HawkWrap or any other DB establishment, but Giardini said declining balance or DB, which is included with all meal plans, may still be used at any Campion Food Court location.

When asked if the new option saves SJU Dining money, Giardini reiterated that the meal exchange plan is about “flexibility.”

“The goal of meal exchange is to provide a full meal solution in exchange for a dining hall swipe,” Giardini said.

So far, Giardini said SJU Dining Services has not seen an increase in customers using Campion swipes at the two designated DB locations.

Many students interviewed by the Hawk said they didn’t know about the meal exchange plan but would likely use it.

Lauren Strain ’23 said she was unaware of the meal exchange program, but now that she knows about it, she is likely to utilize it.

“I’m not a huge fan of the food in Campion,” Strain said. “So I feel like I would definitely use it.”

Brett Komis ’20 also said he didn’t know about the meal exchange option when he initially purchased a meal plan, but he has since used it and likes the option.

“It’s just a nice little addition to be able to go into DB after night class and not worry about having to spend my actual DB,” he said, referring to the declining balance on his plan.