When UMass Amherst resumes classes next month, there will be several new options to help students who struggle with the cost of their meals.
If a student is having trouble paying for food, they can log on to the university's online information system.
Three days of free meals will then go on their meal card.
UMass's Mary Detloff said students will get additional help after applying online.
"That will also trigger a notice to both the dean of students office and the financial aid office that the student is experiencing some sort of financial hardship, and they will reach out to that student to try to work with them on what those issues are, and how the university can address those," she said.
Detloff said the university will also roll out two lower-priced meal plan options, and start offering $5 meals at campus stores.
UMass Dining has also set up a fundraising page to help pay for meal plan scholarships. The program has taken in more than $18,000.
While students may have an easier time paying for food, the same may not be true for tuition. It's going up this year for in-state undergraduate students.
