Learn More About the Emergency Dining Dollar Program

  • Eligibility: Who can use the Emergency Dining Dollar Program?

    This program is open to currently enrolled WSU Pullman students who

    • Do not have ready access to money with which to buy food.
    • Have a combined balance of $10.00 or less in Cougar CASH and Resident Meal Plan Dining Dollars. Check your balances using the GET App on your mobile device.
    • Have previously received Cougs Feeding Cougs funds, but must have less than $3 left to spend in those funds and a combined balance of $10.00 or less in Cougar CASH and Resident Meal Plan Dining Dollars.
    • Have not already requested funds today.

    WSU athletes on scholarship are encouraged to consult the WSU Athletic Compliance Office to be certain that use of the Cougs Feeding Cougs program will not affect athletic eligibility.

    WSU athletes on scholarship are encouraged to consult the WSU Athletic Compliance Office to be certain that use of the program will not affect athletic eligibility.

    If you meet eligibility above, you can request assistance. Applying does not guarantee approval even if you meet eligibility criteria because the availability of funds varies.

    If approved, Emergency Dining Dollars are usually available for use within a few minutes. Check your account in the GET app to confirm a deposit of funds. 

    Students experiencing continued financial hardship are encouraged to:

  • How often can students use the Emergency Dining Dollars Program?

    Students may receive funding from the program up to two times per semester. Students who request funding more than twice will be referred to the Student Care Team for more support.

  • How do eligible program users stay anonymous?

    An important aspect of Emergency Dining Dollars is to ensure students feel safe to request assistance. The system does use your network ID to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements and to deposit funds into a Resident Meal Plan or Cougar CASH account for you. Beyond that, no one else is aware you have those funds, so to a cashier, it will appear as though you have a regular Resident Meal Plan or Cougar CASH account.

  • I didn't use all of the money I received, what do I do?

    Any funds that are remaining after the five days will be returned to the general fund to be used to assist another student in need.

  • I have requested funds but do not see any money in my account.

    The deposit of funds should happen within a few minutes of your request. If you've allowed for this time and you still do not have a deposit, please contact the CougarCard Center at 509-335-2273. 

  • Where can I spend my funds?

    Emergency Dining Dollars can be used at any WSU Dining Services locations including:

    • Dining Centers - Hillside Café, Northside Café, and Southside Café, these locations provide the best value with 40% discount with Cougs Feeding Cougs funds
    • Markets 
    • Espresso Bars 
    • Carlita's Mexican Grille
    • Einstein Bros. Bagels
    • Freshens Fresh Food Studio - Chinook
    • Freshens Yogurt & Smoothies - CUB

    See Dining Services hours of operations.

  • Contact Us

    To receive assistance with requesting or using funds, please contact the CougarCard Center in the Compton Union Building, Ground Floor, Room 60 during business hours Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. The CougarCard Center can also be reached at 509-335-2273 or cougarcard@wsu.edu. 

    Any questions about the donation process should be directed to the WSU Foundation at 509-335-1686 or WSUF.Gift.Accounting@wsu.edu.