Frequently Asked Questions

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?
    • Fall semester 2025 dining plans end on Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
    • Spring semester 2026 dining plans begin on Saturday, Jan. 10 and end on Friday, May 1, at 3 p.m.
    • 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 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.

     

    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

    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

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

     

    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.
    • Other retail locations on campus will continue to accept cash.

     

    Mobile Ordering Other Payments
    • Guests paying with Spartan Cash or debit/credit cards in the Grubhub 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.

 

 

Brody Hall from the outside

Hours of Operation

 

  • Where can I find the current hours of operation?
    • Visit go.msu.edu/dininghours for current hours of operation. Please note that hours may change periodically due to staffing circumstances or university holidays. Important Notices at the top of the page outline recent changes and highlight any critical 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 The Sandbox at Holden, through the Grubhub app.

    • Learn more about mobile ordering at eatatstate.com/mobilemenu. 
    • Visit go.msu.edu/dininghours for current hours of operation for the four campus mobile order locations.
      • Please note that mobile ordering is impacted by university holidays and breaks, and it is not available during the summer semester.

 

 

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 the Grubhub mobile order app.
  • 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 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)
    • 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) 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 is used, one meal access is deducted from the dining plan balance.
    • Log in online to check your balance.
      • The 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.
         
  • 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

    • 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 the Grubhub mobile order app 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 are the new dining enhancements at Holden and Holmes dining halls?

    Culinary Services is elevating convenience and variety at Holden and Holmes dining halls by transitioning these 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 using Spartan Cash, Debit or Credit.
       

    Additional Enhancements:

    • Sparty’s Market at Holden will introduce more retail/grocery options and a new açaí bowl and smoothie 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 order location

Mobile Ordering

 

  • How do I access mobile ordering?

    New this year, MSU mobile ordering will be available through the Grubhub app. Please visit the Mobile Ordering page to learn more. 

  • What options are available in the 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!

  • What locations offer mobile ordering?

    Grubhub mobile order pickup is available Monday through Friday at Sparty's Market at Holmes, Sparty's Market at Holden, Brody Sparty's, and The Sandbox at Holden.

    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, breaks or during the summer semester.

    Please visit the Mobile Order 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 they have been 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 their 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 about a 10-minute delay between transactions if you leave and try to swipe back into the dining hall within this timeframe.
    • 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 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.

 

 

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 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 at Owen Food

 

Thrive and Thrive To Go - Operational Changes for Fall Semester 2025

 

  • What operational changes are being implemented at Thrive at Owen and The Vista at Shaw?

    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 at Owen will be closed on weekends.
    • NEW! Thrive To Go - To ensure students with dietary restrictions continue to have access to allergen-free dining options, The East Lounge, located near The Vista at Shaw dining hall, will be open on weekends with special dietary offerings.
      • Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
      • Thrive To Go 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 will also be available to provide a complete dining experience.
    • This update reflects 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 Thrive at Owen, Thrive To Go at Shaw and The Vista at Shaw?

    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: Closed

    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)

     

  • What changes are being made at Sparty's locations?

    New Branding for Sparty's mini markets and Sparty's Markets

    Sparty’s overall branding was refreshed, including a new logo, store designations, and a new branding color palette. 

    There are now three store designations: 
    •    Sparty’s Markets 
    •    Sparty’s Mini Markets
    •    Sparty’s Express (micro markets: self-service) 

    Location changes:
    •    Holden Dining = Sparty’s Market at Holden 
    •    Holmes Dining = Sparty’s Market at Holmes
    •    Sparty’s at Holden = The Sandbox at Holden

    Sparty’s Markets at Holden and Holmes Dining

    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, and an expanded selection of grocery products. 
    • Mobile order pickup is available 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 a CX as follows: A = beverages, B = entrées, and C = sides/snacks
    • Students and guests without a dining plan may pay à la carte for grab-and-go items with Spartan Cash, Credit or Debit.

    Additional enhancements:

    • Sparty’s Market at Holden will introduce more retail/grocery options and a new açaí bowl and smoothie station.
    • Sparty’s Market at Holmes will include a refreshed store layout for easier shopping and food lockers for mobile order pickup through the Grubhub app.
    • Both locations have seating areas for dining, studying and other activities.
      • Guests may use the space even if they are not eating.

    Sparty’s at Holden Changing to The Sandbox

    CS has developed a new bagel sandwich and dirty soda hangout for students and guests at Holden Hall. It will move into the space formerly occupied by Sparty’s. This location accepts combos, credit/debit, and offers mobile order pickup through the Grubhub app. 

    Menu will include:

    • A variety of bagel sandwich options
    • Dirty sodas: Customizable syrup flavors to add to fountain sodas

    Sparty’s at Hubbard

    • The store is being reconfigured to support a new grab-and-go service model. 
    • The layout will improve customer flow and allow for added shelving, expanding the product selection to meet the needs of students on the go.

    Sparty’s at Brody

    Sparty’s at Brody, a Grab & Go location, has added mobile order pickup through the Grubhub app.

    Sparty’s Express (Micro Markets: self-serve)

    In addition to the micro-markets open at Hannah Admin Building, Vet Med and Clinical Center, we have added another self-serve market at the Engineering building. 

    • Note: CX and Spartan Cash are not available at these locations. Cashless payments are accepted with credit or debit cards.

 

Students dining at Akers

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.
    • Enjoy exclusive discounts: Get a 15% discount at all MSU Culinary Services-operated locations when you use Spartan Cash. (Some exceptions apply.)

     

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

     

     

 

 

Levy Logo Screenshot

Concessions at Michigan State University Athletic Events

  • Who is the concessions provider for Michigan State University Athletics?

    Concessions Transition to Levy (Effective July 1, 2025)

    Michigan State University officially announced that Levy is now the exclusive food and beverage provider for all MSU athletic venues, replacing MSU Culinary Services. This transition began with the 2025–26 athletic season, and Levy is responsible for concessions at Spartan Stadium, Breslin Center, Munn Ice Arena, and other campus venues. Learn more.

    New! Student Gameday Meal Deal at Spartan Football Games

    Previously, students could use their Combo-X-Change (CX) dining plan benefit at select concession stands. However, with Levy now managing concessions, CX is no longer available at these locations.

    MSU students may still enjoy affordable meals on game days. The Student Gameday Meal Deal is available at Spartan snacks stands in sections 11 & 13 at Spartan Stadium. It includes an entrée, snack and drink at a discounted rate for students with a valid MSU ID.

    We will provide more information about Student Gameday Meal Deals for MSU hockey and basketball games soon.

    For full details on game day services and promotions, please visit MSU Football Gameday Information.

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