RPS eMEAL program’s success prompts new additions, options

About three years after Residential Programs and Services created the eMEAL program, new options are in the works.

The service allows students to order from menu options online and pick up their food from various locations around campus.

Associate Director of Dining Services Bob Tegeler said the program, which was designed to be convenient, first started with mostly deli sandwiches.

Now, eMEAL has grown to include more options such as fried chicken at Wright Quad food court and build-your-own pizzas at Gresham food court in Foster Quad.

In the future, Tegeler said, eMEAL will move to add breakfast wraps from the Edmondson dining hall in the Collins Living-Learning Center for more morning options, along with more additions.

“This service is made to avoid waiting in lines,” Tegeler said. “This allows them to order food ahead of time and pick it up when it is ready to go.”

Food, which is paid for with a meal point plan, costs about the same as it would be in the food courts, Tegeler said. However, a 50 cent fee is added to the cost for processing.

While the program has grown in popularity throughout campus, the most visited eMEAL pick-up station is the Campus Cafe at Ballantine Hall because of its central location.

“Students don’t want to wait in line when class gets out,” said Andrew Smith, assistant manager of the Campus Cafe at Ballantine. “Here, they can pick up food and go to their next class.”

During the lunch rush, Smith said, there are an average of 20 to 30 orders per day.
The Campus Cafe at Ballantine offers meals such as deli sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, fruit and drinks.

Freshman Danielle Vetter used the eMEAL program at Gresham Food Court for dinner recently, she said, because of a busy schedule.

“I ordered a salad, sandwich and soup and my food was ready on time,” Vetter said. “It was really easy to set up online.”

Orders for an eMEAL must be placed an hour in advance, and for pick-up, patrons must show their student ID.

The eMEAL service is offered at five locations throughout campus. Hours of service vary for each location. To order, go online to indiana.webfood.com.