Dining

Providing students with a variety of food options while being on campus has been a priority for the College. Whether it is comfort food from the Comfort Station in Sparky’s Place, sushi made fresh daily at the Warrior’s Den, grabbing a freshly toasted sandwich from the Wood Fire Oven, a quick coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts before class or ordering groceries via GrocersPod, the College is working to make sure that a collection of offerings are available to students to satisfy any craving while at their home away from home.

Merrimack students swipe for over 3,500 meals a day at 9 locations around campus. Please be sure to visit Merrimack’s Dining page for more information regarding our locations on campus.

Meal Plans

To reduce the need to travel off campus and to maintain a safe and varied campus dining experience for students, the College has created universal meal plans for all residential students. While the price is the same, the meal plan offers more options for students between swipe meals and Mack Bucks. Additionally, Mack Bucks can be used to order groceries through GrocersPod. Meal plan options can be found on MyMack. In an effort to maximize students eating on campus and minimize students leaving campus, Merrimack has increased the number of food venues and dining options.

The College offers three meal plan options for residents and one for commuters:

• 19 meals/$50 Mack Bucks
• 13 meals/$450 Mack Bucks
• 7 meals/$1,000 Mack Bucks (for students in units with kitchens only)
• 5 meal plan (commuters only)

Dining Locations

Within indoor existing dining locations, seat counts have been reduced, queuing areas modified and takeout food encouraged to allow for social distancing and proper social density. Food stations at Sparky’s have been renovated to reduce self-service and provide more efficient serving. The Warriors Den provides mobile ordering through Bite U, as well as kiosk and in-person ordering options. In addition, the Sanctuary Coffeehouse, Dunkin’ Donuts and Mindful MAC will provide mobile ordering and pickup. Sparky’s now boasts 10 newly configured stations to serve our students fresh, vibrant and creative dishes. There is always something new for students to try as well as favorite comfort foods that students have come to rely on. When swiping into Sparky’s, students have access to all stations (each station can be visited as many times a student likes) in Sparky’s. Please be sure to visit Merrimack’s Dining page for more information regarding our locations on campus.

Grocery Delivery

To reduce the need to leave campus for groceries, Merrimack has partnered with GrocersPod to create a Merrimack specific experience where students can order groceries (and other essentials) from a nearby supermarket and have them delivered to the campus. Students are able to pay for groceries using Mack Bucks and dining dollars. The cost of delivery is free and deliveries are made to 23 Rock Ridge Road several times during the day. For information about GrocersPod or to order groceries online visit the website.

Off-Campus Food Delivery Policy

Due to campus access concerns, delivery food for students, faculty and staff from off-campus vendors will be limited. Food delivery drivers will not be able to drive directly to campus buildings, but will be directed to the Elm Street entrance where there is a designated pickup/
drop off location in Lot A.

Food Allergies and Dietary Needs

Students with dietary concerns or simply looking to learn more about our healthy options are invited to reach out to Registered Dietitian Laura Klotz, RD, LDN. Laura is available for individual consultations on topics such as: food allergies, My Zone, celiac disease or other special dietary needs, navigating the dining locations to find healthier menu options, vegan and vegetarian nutrition and more. For dietary questions contact Laura at Laura.Klotz@Sodexo.com.

MY ZONE: A gluten, peanut and tree nut-free pantry where food items needed by customers with celiac disease or food allergies can be housed with precautions against crosscontact. Examples of products available in My Zone include gluten-free pasta, glutenfree bread, wraps and desserts.

SIMPLE SERVING STATION: All foods offered at the Simple Serving Station are prepared exclusively with ingredients that do not contain the following foods: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and also eliminates gluten-containing ingredients. The lunch and dinner menus change daily.

Food Service Worker Safety Training

All food service workers receive extensive training from Sodexo, the College’s food service provider. This program provides in-depth education on food safety processes and procedures, including training on personal hygiene, proper use of PPE, cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of surfaces, accepting deliveries, food storage and food production.

Dining For Students in Self-Quarantine and Isolation

Students in self-quarantine or isolation who cannot go home will have their meals delivered.