Frequently Asked Questions

Culinary Services FAQs

Below is a list of common questions about MSU Culinary Services and dining on campus! We hope this helps you get ready to enjoy your dining experience with us!

If you are looking for housing information, please visit liveon.msu.edu.

 

Students dining at Akers

General

 

  • When do dining plans start and end?
    • Spring semester 2026 dining plans end on Friday, May 1, at 3 p.m.
    • Summer dining plans start on Monday, May 4, and end on Friday, Aug. 21
      • Summer dining plan contracts include both first and second sessions
    • Please visit eatatstate.msu.edu/key-dates for additional Key Dates for Culinary Services
  • What are the current dining rates?

    On-campus Dining Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum)

    • 2025-26 Standard Rates: $3,795 for Silver  |  $3,945 for Gold  |  $4,095 for Platinum
      • Please note: Rates are prorated after the first week of classes (fall semester). To get prorated rates, please call the Spartan Cash office at 517-355-2274.
    • 2026-27 Standard Rates: Coming Soon

     

    Off-campus Student Dining Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum; optional)

    If you are an off-campus student interested in purchasing a Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan, please get in touch with the Spartan Cash Office at 517-355-2274. (See rates above).

     

    Block Dining Plans (meal swipes sold in bundles of 10):

    • Students: $9.50 per meal (no tax)
    • Faculty/staff: $9.50 per meal, plus tax

    Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup is available with Block Dining Plans. Please note that mobile order pickup is affected by university holidays and breaks and is not available during the summer semester; see eatatstate.com/grubhub for details.

    *Please note: Effective Monday, May 4, 2026, the student block plan and the faculty and staff dining plan rates will increase by $0.50 per meal, from $9.50 to $10. Despite this adjustment, the dining plan continues to offer savings of up to $4 per meal compared to door rates.

     

    Public Rates* (all-you-care-to-eat locations) 

    Breakfast: $9.50, plus tax  |  Lunch or Dinner: $13.50, plus tax  |  Children (ages 2-9 years): $7.25, plus tax

    • Tax is not applied to students paying the public rate.

     

    *Please note: Effective Monday, May 4, 2026, the public dining plan rates will increase to:

    Breakfast: $10, plus tax  |  Lunch or Dinner: $14, plus tax  |  Children (ages 2-9 years): $7.50, plus tax

     

    We are Cashless

    • Residential dining halls are cashless operations.
    • Retail dining locations that only accept cashless payment include:
      • Sparty’s mini-markets, Sparty’s Markets, Kellogg Market, The Workshop at STEM, Sabor at International Center Food Court, Starbucks at 1855 Place and Main Library, The Sandbox at Holden and Nucleus at Holmes.
    • Other retail locations on campus continue to accept cash.

     

    Grubhub Mobile Order Payments

    • Guests paying with Spartan Cash or debit/credit cards in the Grubhub Mobile Order app pay an à la carte price structure. 
    • Please note that mobile order pickup is affected by university holidays and breaks and is not available during the summer semester; see eatatstate.com/grubhub for details.

 

 

Brody Hall from the outside

Hours of Operation

 

 

 

Combo-X-Change example

Combo X-Change

 

  • What is Combo-X-Change?
    • Combo-X-Change, commonly known as CX or combos, is included at no additional charge with all three Unlimited Dining Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum).
    • Off-campus students or commuters may purchase our Block Plan (meal swipes in bundles of 10), which includes access to all-you-care-to-eat meals and combos. 
    • Faculty/staff dining plans also include access to all-you-care-to-eat meals and combos.  
    • CX allows dining plan holders to enjoy to-go meals at our on-campus retail dining locations.
    • CX is available as payment with Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup.
  • Who can use CX meals?

    Silver, Gold, or Platinum Dining Plan

    • 12 CX meals are included at no additional charge with all three unlimited dining plans.
    • Students receive 12 CX weekly, available Sunday through Saturday. They do not carry over to the following week but reset to 12 every Sunday.
    • Students may use more than one CX per day, but there may be a slight delay between each transaction.
       

    Off-Campus Students or Faculty/Staff Dining Plan

    If you have an off-campus student or faculty/staff dining plan, you can use each meal access to enter an all-you-care-to-eat location OR as a Combo-X-Change.
     

  • Where can CX meals be used?

    Combo-X-Change locations are listed below.

    • Starbucks at 1855 Place & Main Library
    • Sparty’s mini-markets
    • Sparty’s Markets at 1855 Place, Holden and Holmes
    • Kellogg Market at Kellogg Center
    • International Center Food Court
    • Panera Bread at Minskoff Pavilion
    • Strange Matter at MSU Union
    • The Sandbox at Holden
    • Nucleus at Holmes (fall 2026)
    • Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup locations
    • The Workshop at STEM (Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup in fall 2026)
    • Thrive To Go - Weekends (East Lounge at Shaw)
    • MSU Bakers Storefront
       
  • How many Combo-X-Change meals can I use?

    Silver, Gold, or Platinum Dining Plan Holders

    • 12 CX meals per week, Sunday through Saturday. 
      • CX does not carry over to the following week but resets to 12 every Sunday.
    • Students may use more than one CX per day, but there may be a slight delay between each transaction.
    • Log in online to check your balance.
      • The number displayed under the "Week" heading for "Meals Remaining" is your remaining balance.

     

    Block Dining Plan: Off-campus Students and Faculty/Staff Dining Plan Holders

    • These meals are purchased in bundles of 10. Any meal access option may be used as a CX (in addition to accessing the all-you-care-to-eat locations).
    • Each time a CX is used, one meal access is deducted from the dining plan balance.
    • Log in online to check your balance.
      • The balance is displayed as USD because we use the same system for Spartan Cash. That is the number of meals you have remaining. For example, if it shows 10.00 USD, you have ten meals.
         
  • Can I use more than one CX per day?

    Yes, you can use more than one CX daily, but there may be a slight delay between each transaction.

  • How do I identify CX options?

    Combo-X-Change color codes CXA Beverage, CXB Entree, CXC Sides

    • At our retail dining locations, CX items are color-coded so you may quickly identify options.
      • A stands for beverages, B for entrées, and C for sides/snacks.
    • CX allows dining plan holders to choose one item from each option (unless otherwise specified at the location).
  • Can I use CX to take out from the all-you-care-to-eat dining halls?
    • All-you-care-to-eat dining locations offer dine-in service only. Takeout is not available.
    • Please visit one of our Grab & Go dining locations or use Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup for meals on the go.

     

 

 

Grab and go meal example

Grab & Go

 

  • What is Grab & Go dining?

    Spartans can enjoy Grab & Go dining, a Combo-X-Change option. We have MSU chef-made meals at several locations across campus. Grab & Go locations offer a variety of hot and cold menu selections that are prepackaged and ready to eat. View our Culinary Services map to see all Grab & Go locations.

  • Where can I find Grab & Go options?
    • Sparty's Markets at 1855 Place, Holden and Holmes
    • Sparty's mini-markets in Brody, Case and Hubbard
    • The Workshop at the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility
    • Thrive To Go - Weekends (East Lounge at Shaw Hall)
       
  • What is offered at Sparty's Markets at Holden and Holmes?

    Culinary Services provides convenience and variety at Sparty's Markets Holden and Holmes dining halls by offering:

    • Combo-X-Change meal access for those with MSU dining plans.
      • Menu items are combined as follows: A = beverages, B = entrées, C = sides/snacks
    • Students and guests without a dining plan may pay à la carte for grab-and-go items using Spartan Cash, debit or credit.
    • Chef-prepared, prepackaged meals, and an expanded selection of grocery products.
    • Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup  |  Pick-up lockers are available at Sparty's Market at Holmes.
    • Fresh Fusions at Sparty’s Market at Holden, a customizable açaí bowl and smoothie station. 
    • Both locations have seating areas for dining, studying and other activities. Guests may use the space even if they are not eating.

 

 

Grubhub Mobile Order image

Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup

 

  • How do I access Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup?

    MSU mobile ordering will be available through the Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup app at Brody Sparty's, Sparty's Markets at Holden and Holmes, The Sandbox at Holden and The Workshop at STEM (new fall 2026). Please visit the Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup page to learn more. 

  • What options are available in the Grubhub mobile app?

    We offer a variety of options, including breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, build-your-own burgers, sandwiches and wraps, salads, bagel sandwiches, dirty sodas, boba drinks and more! You can view the menus in the Grubhub app.

  • What locations offer Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup?

    Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup is available Monday through Friday at Sparty's Market at Holmes, Sparty's Market at Holden, Brody Sparty's, The Sandbox at Holden and The Workshop at STEM (new fall 2026).

    During the fall and spring semesters, orders are accepted up until half an hour before the Grubhub station closes for the day. This ensures our team has time to fulfill all orders submitted before closing.

    • Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup is not offered during certain holidays, breaks or during the summer semester.

    Please visit the Grubhub Mobile Order Pickup page to learn more.

 

 

Students dining at The Gallery

On-Campus Dining Plans

 

  • How do I know which dining plan I have?

    Students living on campus can check their My Housing account to verify their dining plan selection. Dining plans can be downgraded between semesters; however, once activated for the semester, they cannot be downgraded.

  • How do I use my dining plan?

    Your MSU ID card is required to access your dining plan, bring guests into the dining halls and redeem Spartan Cash.

    Bring your MSU ID to a residential dining hall or retail location. You will hand your ID card to the host or cashier to access the all-you-care-to-eat dining locations and Combo-X-Change at our retail locations.

    NOTICE: The MSU ID card is a personal credential, and its use is non-transferable. Please do not lend or share your ID card with anyone else. Our team will confiscate the ID if you allow someone else to use your card.

    • If your ID card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately. Visit the MSU ID Office website for more information.
    • Ask our entrance host at any dining hall to request a temporary dining pass until you receive a new ID.
  • How do I get my student ID card?

    Please see the ID Office website for information on obtaining an MSU ID and hours of operation.

  • How do I change my dining plan?
    • If you live on campus and have questions regarding your dining plan selection, please contact the Housing Assignments Office at 517-884-5483 or liveon@msu.edu.
    • Dining plans are non-refundable.
    • Dining plans can be downgraded in between semesters; however, once a plan is activated for the semester, it may no longer be downgraded.
    • For students living on campus, dining plan adjustments are made in the student's My Housing account.
  • When does my dining plan begin and end?
    • Check the Eat at State website for when dining plans begin and end each semester. (See the first question on the FAQs page.)
    • Typically, dining plans begin with the start of the semester and end on the last days of final exams.
  • Where can I use my dining plan?
    • Silver, Gold and Platinum dining plans provide unlimited access to all-you-care-to-eat locations. This means you can visit as many times as you’d like during open hours!
      • Note: There is a slight delay between swipes/transactions if you leave and try to swipe back into the dining hall.
    • Students also get 12 Combo-X-Change meals weekly to use at retail dining locations, available from Sunday through Saturday. (They reset every Sunday to 12.)
      • The Combo-X-Change meals are included with your unlimited dining plan and do not cost anything extra.
      • Using these meals does not impact or take away from your unlimited access.
  • How do I check my account's remaining CX meals, Spartan Cash, or guest passes?

    Log in online to check your balance. We also have a helpful video that explains how to check your balance using the Transact eAccount mobile app.

  • Are there options for students needing assistance?

    Please see the MSU Student Food Bank website for information on how our campus is helping those facing food insecurity. In addition to details about eligibility and distribution, the website serves as a resource for those who wish to donate and support the food bank's efforts.

    If you need accommodations, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. They will work with our dining team to assist any student in need.

 

 

Faculty and staff dining at Akers

Off-Campus and Faculty/Staff Dining Plans

 

 

 

Students wearing masks at an event

Health and safety

 

  • If I become ill, can another student pick up a meal on my behalf?
    • Students who are sick should not pick up their meals to avoid spreading illness to the campus community.
    • Additionally, they should never provide their ID card to anyone, as it is non-transferable.
    • MSU Culinary Services has a sick meal pickup arrangements process in place. The ill student can complete the Sick Meal Pickup Arrangements form and provide a completed copy (printed or electronic) to the person picking up their meal.
      • The individual designated to pick up the meal must show the entrance host at a campus dining hall a paper or electronic copy of the completed form.
      • The meals must be picked up at a dining location in the same neighborhood where the ill student resides. This includes all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and Grab & Go dining.
      • The individual picking up the meal will also be asked to show their MSU ID.
      • For your health and safety, these meals should be refrigerated until eaten.
    • Please note that a separate form is needed for each meal period requested.
    • Copies of the sick meal form are available at the entrance host stands, service centers and on the Eat at State website for students to access. 

     

 

 

Thrive at Owen Food

Thrive and Thrive To Go

 

  • What is offered at Thrive at Owen and Thrive To Go?

    At Thrive, inclusive dining meets exceptional flavor. Designed for guests with food allergies and those who want great‑tasting meals, Thrive serves delicious food free from the Major 9 allergens and gluten. Fully integrated into MSU’s dining plans, Thrive offers delicious menu options comparable to those of other residential dining halls, making it easy for everyone to dine together without restrictions.

    To optimize resources and improve operational efficiency, the following is available at these locations: 

    • Thrive at Owen is closed on weekends.
    • Thrive To Go (Weekend Access)  |  Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
      • To ensure students with dietary restrictions continue to have access to allergen‑free dining, Thrive To Go is available on weekends in The East Lounge, located near The Vista at Shaw dining hall.
      • Meals are available as a CX option. These prepackaged entrées and sides, produced at Thrive, are made without the Major 9 allergens.
      • Additional retail items and beverages are also available to provide a complete dining experience.

    Culinary Services is committed to a more sustainable and efficient dining experience while maintaining accessibility for those with special dietary needs.

  • What are the hours for Thrive at Owen and Thrive To Go?

    Thrive at Owen Hours
    Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch) and 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (dinner)  
    Saturday/Sunday: Closed

    Thrive To Go Hours (East Lounge in Shaw Hall)
    Saturday/Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

    The Vista at Shaw Hours
    Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-11 a.m. (breakfast), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch), 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (dinner)  
    Saturday/Sunday: 10-3 p.m. (brunch)

     

  • Who can I contact about special dietary needs or menus at Thrive and Thrive to Go?

    Questions? Contact our dietitians or chefs.

    • Kelsey Patterson, Registered Dietitian
    • Holly Christy, Registered Dietitian

    Email: dietitians@rhs.msu.edu

    Chefs

    • Brittany Lesage, lesagebr@msu.edu
      Executive Sous Chef, Thrive at Owen
       
    • Dien Ly, Executive Chef, lyd@msu.edu
      Thrive at Owen, The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips and The Vista at Shaw
       

    More information about nutrition, allergens and campus services is available at eatatstate.msu.edu/nutrition.

 

Spartan Cash Logo

Spartan Cash

  • What is Spartan Cash?

    If you have an MSU ID card, you already have a Spartan Cash account. This account is fully integrated with the MSU ID card and is activated with a deposit.

    What are the benefits of using the Spartan Cash account?

    • Spartan Cash simplifies purchasing on- and off-campus dining, textbooks, sports and entertainment, health services and more.
    • Access a wide variety of shops and services from more than 100 locations across campus and participating local retail shops.

    Are discounts available with Spartan Cash?

    • Yes! Enjoy a 15% discount when you use Spartan Cash
      • Get a 15% discount at all MSU Culinary Services-operated locations when you use Spartan Cash. (Some exceptions apply.)
    • Learn about Spartan Cash discounts at eatatstate.msu.edu/SpartanCash-discount 

    For details about the Spartan Cash program, please visit the Spartan Cash website: spartancash.com.

 

 

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