Duke officials are giving each first-year student $50 this fall for use at certain restaurants on or near Ninth Street. Students will receive an electronic card to be used for in-store food purchases at participating restaurants south of Markham Avenue.
Officials hope the program, called "Duke Dining/Durham Dollars," will introduce over 1,600 freshmen students to Durham, as well as give a boost to businesses near East Campus.
"This pilot is being introduced as part of our new dining program at Duke," said Kemel Dawkins, vice president for campus services.
Duke Student Government President Elliott Wolf said the program should benefit both students and restaurant owners.
"Durham has a lot to offer Duke students," Wolf said. "We are excited that this program is in place to convey that to first-year students and help local businesses at the same time."
Nineteen restaurants have been invited to participate. If they agree, they will be provided decals that can be displayed in their front window or door to show that the Duke Dining/Durham Dollars card is accepted there.
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