529 qualified expenses - deducting food expenses from a school that does not offer board

[EY11]

My college student is at a school that does not offer a meal plan but offers housing/dorm. He does reside in their dorms. The school offers housing but no meal plans. So there is no meal plan cost to compare the expenses to.

Can I still deduct the meals that he purchases during the school year while living in the dorms? Is there a max amount?

[Bsch4477]

• You can use the plan to buy groceries and for restaurants for a student living off-campus.
• Keep a running total:Track all expenses. Generally you can’t exceed the amount given for the school’s room and board. You might ask the school for guidance for the limit to claim food expenses. 

[Hal_Al]

Q. Can I still deduct the meals that he purchases during the school year while living in the dorms?

A. Yes. The student must be half time or more.

Q. Is there a max amount?

A. Yes.  You are limited to the lesser of your actual costs or the school's "allowance for cost for attendance" (COA) for financial aid purposes. Some schools may only publish a combined room and board COA, rather than separate amounts for housing and food.