The Student Congress at Doane College, Crete, Neb., is pursuing a declining balance meal plan that would enable students to carry money on their ID cards. Students could then purchase individual items rather than be locked into using one of their meal credits for an entire meal.

The idea behind this proposal is that Doane students would now have more control over the cost of food on campus.

The proposed change would give students more options, said Kim Jacobs, Student Congress advisor. She said a new plan would help students feel that they are getting a better value.

Currently students are getting a good deal at the cafeteria with the all-you-can-eat option, but downstairs they are losing money, said Laura Jacob, Student Congress president. With a declining balance plan you only pay for what you want, she added.

Read more here.