Mississippi State University students have more dining choices due to the changes to the meal plan system. The new policies allow more flexibility, more options, more locations and more overall variety for students to choose from.
Last year, block meals were used at the cafeteria, while flex dollars were spent other locations around campus. This year, options for using block meals have almost doubled by allowing them to be used during lunch at Pegasus Dining in the Wise Center and at McArthur Cafe in McArthur Hall.
The Ultimate meal plan is what all freshmen are assigned to upon arrival to the university. This plan includes unlimited block meals and $100 in flex dollars. Because of the price of fast food, a student’s flex dollars would dwindle very rapidly.
Bill Broyles, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, said the new meal plans lead to more flexibility largely through the meal equivalency plan.
“One block meal can be used at the Union food court or Burger King from 4:00 p.m. until closing,” Broyles said.
Because of this, students can eat what they want, when they want, without worrying about running out of flex dollars.
Executive Dining Services Director Jason Nall said all of these changes work together to make the meal plan more student-friendly, which he hopes will encourage more students to use the meal plan.
The benefits of having a meal plan have grown with all the changes that have been made within the last year, Nall said.
The meal plan is not the only aspect of the Bulldog dining experience that has seen changes since the last school year. The floor in the Perry cafeteria had a makeover. The old carpet has been pulled up and replaced with large maroon and blue ceramic tiles to improve the image of the dining hall. The floor was completed the day before the cafeteria officially opened for the school year.
Provisions on Demand, the newly redesigned and former C3 convenience store, specializes in a “grab-and-go” market for students and faculty who do not have time to sit down for lunch. Sandwiches, fresh fruits, chips and drinks are only a few items the store offers. The P.O.D. also carries the usual convenience store items students might need to be comfortable in their residence halls.
Territory Marketing Director for Aramark Jennifer Barnette said these changes will work to make a great dining experience.
“It is wonderful to see our dining program grow each year, and the compliments and smiles make it more enjoyable to see,” she said. “As MSU grows, MSU Dining will continue to grow as well, feeding our Bulldogs and guests.”
DINING CHANGES
For more information about how meal plans can be used, visit msstatedining.com