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.
General
- When do dining plans start and end?
- Summer semester 2025 dining plans end on Friday, Aug. 15 at 3 p.m., and the fall semester dining plans begin on Monday, Aug. 18.
- What are the current dining rates?
On-campus Dining Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum):
- 2025-26 Standard Rate: $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.
- 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.
Off-campus Student Dining Plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum; optional):
If you are an off-campus student wanting to purchase a Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan, please call 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
Mobile ordering is available with Block Dining Plans.
Mobile ordering will not be offered on certain holidays or during the summer semester; please see eatatstate.com/mobilemenu for details.
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
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 and The Sandbox at Holden (new fall semester).
- Other retail locations on campus will continue to accept cash.
Mobile Ordering Other Payments
- Guests paying with Spartan Cash or debit/credit card in the Mobile Ordering app pay an à la carte price structure.
- Mobile ordering will not be offered on certain holidays or during the summer semester; please see eatatstate.com/mobilemenu for details.
- 2025-26 Standard Rate: $3,795 for Silver | $3,945 for Gold | $4,095 for Platinum
Hours of Operation
- Where can I find the current hours of operation?
- Visit go.msu.edu/dininghours for current hours of operation. Please be mindful that hours may change from time to time due to staffing circumstances or university holidays. The top of the page outlines recent changes and calls attention to any important updates.
- Visit go.msu.edu/dininghours for current hours of operation. Please be mindful that hours may change from time to time due to staffing circumstances or university holidays. The top of the page outlines recent changes and calls attention to any important updates.
- Are hours different for mobile ordering?
Mobile ordering for the fall semester is available Monday through Friday at Sparty's Market at Holden, Sparty's Market at Holmes, Brody Sparty's and our new location, The Sandbox at Holden, through the Grubhub app. More information regarding mobile ordering through Grubhub will be coming soon.
- Please note that mobile ordering is impacted by university holidays and is not available during the summer semester.
Visit go.msu.edu/dininghours for current hours of operation and learn more about mobile ordering at eatatstate.com/mobilemenu.
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.
- 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 swipe 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 meal.
- 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
- The Workshop at STEM
- Panera Bread at Minskoff Pavilion
- Strange Matter at MSU Union
- The Sandbox at Holden
- Mobile Order locations (Grubhub app)
- How many Combo-X-Change meals can I use?
Silver, Gold, or Platinum Dining Plan Holders
- 12 CX meals per week, Sunday through Saturday.
- They do not carry over to the following week but reset to 12 every Sunday.
- Students may use more than one swipe 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) or 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 swipe is used, one meal access is deducted from the dining plan balance.
- Log in online to check your balance.
- Your balance displays 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 7.00 USD, you have seven meals left.
- Your balance displays 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 7.00 USD, you have seven meals left.
- Can I use more than one CX per day?
Yes, you can use more than one CX meal daily, but there may be a slight delay between each transaction.
- How do I identify CX options?
- 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 mobile ordering for meals on the go.
Grab & Go
- What is Grab & Go dining?
Spartans can enjoy Grab & Go dining, a Combo-X-Change option. We have chef-made meals at several locations across campus. Grab & Go locations offer hot and cold menu selections that are prepackaged and ready for you to select. View our Culinary Services map to see all Grab & Go locations.
- Where can I find Grab & Go options?
- Sparty's Markets
- Sparty's mini-markets in Brody and Case
- The Workshop at the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility
- What are the new dining enhancements at Holden and Holmes dining halls?
Culinary Services is elevating convenience and variety at Holden and Holmes halls by transitioning these dining locations into Sparty's Markets.
- Both locations will be Grab & Go and offer chef-prepared, prepackaged meals, an expanded selection of grocery products, and mobile ordering via the Grubhub app.
- These locations will use our Combo-X-Change meal access for those with a dining plan.
- 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.
Additional Enhancements:
- Sparty’s Market at Holden will introduce more retail/grocery options and a new açaí bowl station.
- Sparty’s Market at Holmes will include a refreshed store layout for easier shopping and food lockers for mobile order pickup through Grubhub, streamlining the grab-and-go experience.
- Both locations have seating areas for dining, studying and other activities. Guests may use the space even if they are not eating.
Mobile Ordering
- How do I access mobile ordering?
New this year, MSU mobile ordering will be available through the Grubhub app. More information will be available soon.
- What options are available in the mobile app?
We offer various options, including breakfast bowls, omelets, a build-your-own burger selection, a build-your-own pasta bowl, salad selections, wraps and more!
- What locations offer mobile ordering?
Mobile ordering will be available Monday through Friday at Sparty's Market at Holmes, Sparty's Market at Holden, Brody Sparty's and our newest location, The Sandbox at Holden, which will open in the fall.
During the fall and spring semesters, orders are accepted up until half an hour before the location closes for the day. This ensures our team has time to fulfill all orders submitted before closing.
Mobile ordering will not be offered during certain holidays or the summer semester.
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 they have been activated for the semester, they can no longer 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 your personal credential, and its use is not transferable. Please do not give your ID card to anyone else to use. 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!
- You also have 12 Combo-X-Change meals at participating locations weekly, from Sunday through Saturday. 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 eAccounts mobile app.
- Are there options for students needing assistance?
Please see the MSU Student Food Bank website for information about how our campus is helping those who face 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.
Off-Campus and Faculty/Staff Dining Plans
- Where can I purchase a dining plan?
- Online: eatatstate.com
- MSU ID Office: International Center, Room 170 (no cash purchases)
- By phone: 517-355-2274 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
- MSUFCU account:
- Log in to ComputerLine, select the Manage menu and choose the MSU Dining Plans option under MSUFCU Services
- How much do I save by having a dining plan?
You save up to $4 per meal compared to our standard door rate. Meals can be used to enter all-you-care-to-eat locations or as a Combo-X-Change!
- How does my off-campus or faculty/staff dining plan remain active?
Dining plans remain active (do not expire) if you use at least one swipe yearly, between July 1 and June 30.
- How do I check my remaining balance of meals?
Log in with your MSU NetID and password online. Please note that the same system is used for Spartan Cash. Therefore, the remaining meals are displayed similarly to a dollar amount (e.g., 10.0 = 10 meals).
- Can I use my meal swipes for other people?
Yes! Your meals may be used for guests to dine with you at all-you-care-to-eat locations. Just so you know, you must eat with/accompany the guest(s), as your ID card cannot be given to another person.
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 they are 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 that 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 and The Vista Operational Changes - Fall Semester 2025
- What operational changes are being implemented for dining locations in fall 2025?
Culinary Services will implement operational changes for Thrive at Owen and The Vista at Shaw to optimize resources and improve service efficiency. As part of these adjustments, Thrive will be closed on weekends. To ensure students with dietary restrictions continue to have access to allergen-free dining options, The East Lounge near The Vista at Shaw dining hall will be open on weekends with special dietary offerings; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Culinary Services has created Thrive To Go meals, which will be available as a CX option. These prepackaged entrées and sides, produced at Thrive, will be made without the Major 9 allergens. Additional retail items and beverages will also be available to provide a complete dining experience.
Further updates will continue to be shared through the summer and fall to ensure students are informed and prepared for the transition. These updates reflect Culinary Services’ commitment to a more sustainable and efficient dining experience while maintaining accessibility for those with special dietary needs.
- What will the new hours be for each location and for Thrive To Go?
Thrive To Go Hours (East Lounge in Shaw Hall)
Saturday/Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Thrive at Owen Hours
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch) and 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (dinner)
Saturday/Sunday: ClosedThe 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)