Free Meal Plan

Q: Am I eligible for the Free Meal Plan? 
A: If you’re enrolled in at least 6 in-person units at West Valley College or Mission College during Fall or Spring, you qualify for the Free Meal Plan. To activate it, complete the one-time opt-in through the Student Portal.

Q: How do I receive my meal plan? 
A: Once each academic year, you must complete a short opt-in before your funds will load. It takes about a minute: log in to the Student Portal, click "Meal Plan Eligibility," review the program terms, check the acknowledgment box, then click "Activate My Meal Plan." If you don't complete the opt-in, you won't receive the benefit, even if you're eligible. 

Q: I opted in. When will my funds show up? 

A: Funds may take up to six hours to load after you complete the opt-in, so your balance may not appear right away. Once your account is active, your balance refreshes every Monday at 3 a.m. for as long as you stay eligible

Q: How much do I receive each week? 
A: Each week during Fall and Spring terms, $50 will be added to your meal plan balance automatically.  

Q: Where can I use my meal plan dollars? 
A: You can use your meal plan dollars on meals, snacks, or beverages at Café Vasona at West Valley College, Mission 75 at Mission College, or campus vending machines. All made-to-order drinks at coffee shops (beverages prepared at the counter) are no longer covered by the Free Meal Plan. You can still use your meal plan dollars at coffee shops for packaged items like bottled drinks, snacks, and grab-and-go food. 

Q: How do I pay for my food or drinks with my meal plan? 
A: You can use your campus Student ID card by scanning its barcode at checkout. You can also access your meal card on the Atrium Connect mobile website, available at the Atrium website. You can also add your meal card to the ThomasToGo app if you wish to order ahead and skip the café lines. 

Q: How do I access my digital student ID card on my phone? 
A: 

• Open your mobile browser and go to the WVM Atrium website. 

• Tap the menu icon (three lines in the top left corner), then choose "Student and Staff Log-In." 

• Sign in with your campus SSO login details. 

• Once logged in, tap the menu again and select "Display Virtual ID." Your ID and barcode will appear on your screen, ready to use. 

• For even quicker access, you can download your digital ID to your phone’s wallet. 

Q: What happens if I lose my student ID or have trouble with my digital ID? 
A: Visit Mission College's Information Desk on the first floor of Campus Center for a free, replacement physical ID, or follow the online instructions for troubleshooting your digital ID. You can continue to use your digital ID while you wait for a new physical card.  

Q: How do I check my meal plan balance and recent transactions? 
A: You can check your current balance and view recent transactions anytime on your phone or computer by visiting the Atrium website. 

Q: Does my meal plan balance roll over if I don’t use it all in a week? 
A: Meal plan balances refresh each Monday morning at 3 a.m. Any unused balance from the prior week will not carry over, so make sure to use your balance before the weekly refresh. 

Q: What if I spend more than my weekly balance? 
A: If your purchase is more than your remaining meal plan balance, you can pay the difference using cash or card at the register. 

Q: What if I drop below 6 in-person units during the semester? 
A: If your enrollment drops below 6 in-person units, you’ll have a two-week grace period before your meal plan access is paused for the rest of the term. If you re-enroll in 6 or more in-person units during that time, your access will continue without interruption and you will not need to opt in again.

Q: Is the Free Meal Plan available during the summer or winter break? 
A: The meal plan is active only during the Fall and Spring terms and is paused during summer and winter terms. 

Q: I’m an online-only student but I sometimes come to campus for labs. Am I eligible? 
A: Only students with at least 6 in-person units are eligible for the Free Meal Plan. Hybrid courses with scheduled on-campus meetings count towards in-person units. 

Q: I’m a student worker or receive a stipend from the District. Can I still get the Free Meal Plan? 
A: Yes. Students who work for or receive compensation from the District, including student workers, short-term employees, student trustees, and stipend recipients, can receive the Free Meal Plan if they are enrolled in at least 6 units. For this group, the units may be of any kind, including fully online courses, and do not need to be in person. Because federal tax law treats the value of the meal plan as taxable income for District employees, the District is required to report it on your Form W-2. The District will apply the meal plan value to your gross income at the end of each semester. This process is handled by the District and does not change how you use your meal plan at the register. The District cannot provide tax advice, so please consult a tax professional if you have questions.

Q: Can I add more money to my meal plan? 
A: The Free Meal Plan is a set weekly amount and cannot be reloaded or “topped up.” For purchases above your meal plan balance, you can use your own payment method at the register. 

Q: What if I need extra support with food or other basic needs? 
A: If you’re experiencing financial or housing challenges, additional support is available through the Office of the Student Services Vice President. Email the office for more information about food pantry access, CalFresh, and other free resources. 

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions or need help with my meal plan? 
A: For any questions on your meal plan account or for ID card support, contact the Office of the Student Services Vice President or stop by the Information Desk on the first floor of Campus Center.  

Q: How is my information protected when I use the Atrium Campus website? 
A: Your privacy is important to us. Any data used in the Atrium Campus website and mobile ID is protected under District privacy policies and is only used for meal plan administration. 

Q: Can I give my meal plan balance to a friend or family member? 
A: No. Your meal plan is just for you and cannot be transferred or shared with anyone else. You are responsible for purchases made with your card or digital ID, and sharing or misuse may result in loss of the benefit. 

Q: What if I have ideas or feedback about campus dining? 
A: We’d love to hear from you! You can share feedback or suggestions for campus dining through the Atrium Campus website or by contacting [email protected].

Q: I am a noncredit student. Am I eligible?  
A: Yes, if your in-person noncredit and/or credit classes add up to the equivalent of at least 6 units. To check, add your noncredit lecture hours divided by 16, your lab hours divided by 48, and any credit units you have. If the total is 6 or more, you qualify. For help calculating, visit the Student Services Center.