Arkansas State University (A-State) is more than just a place to earn a degree; it’s a vibrant community where students can thrive academically and socially.
Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, A-State is the second largest university in the state and offers a wide range of programs and activities that cater to diverse interests and career goals.
With a strong emphasis on research and a commitment to student success, the university provides an environment that encourages both personal and professional growth.
One of the key aspects of student life at A-State is the comprehensive meal plan options available to students.
These meal plans are designed to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that every student has access to nutritious and delicious food throughout their time on campus.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or sitting down for a meal with friends, the dining facilities at A-State offer a variety of options to suit every taste.
Living on campus provides students with the convenience of having dining options just a short walk away, fostering a sense of community and making it easier to focus on studies and extracurricular activities.
Meal plans are not just about food; they are an integral part of the campus experience and contribute to A-State students’ overall well-being and success.
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Arkansas State University Meal Plans
Welcome to the exciting world of Arkansas State University meal plans! As a student, your meal plan is more than just a way to get food; it’s a vital part of your campus life.
It offers convenience, variety, and an opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals without the hassle of cooking or the need to leave campus.
Arkansas State University offers several meal plan options designed to meet the diverse needs of its student body.
Whether you live on campus or commute, there’s a plan that will fit your lifestyle and dietary preferences.
In this guide, we will explore all the available meal plans, dining locations, and special features to help you navigate your meal plan options seamlessly.
Types of Meal Plans at Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a variety of meal plans designed to cater to the diverse needs of its student body.
These plans provide flexibility, convenience, and cost savings, ensuring that students have access to nutritious and delicious meals throughout the academic year.
Here are the main types of meal plans available:
7-Day + Plans
The 7-Day + Plans offer unlimited access to the Acansa Dining Hall seven days a week.
This plan is ideal for students who prefer to have the flexibility to eat on campus at any time. Whether it’s for a full meal, a quick snack, or just a cup of coffee, this plan covers it all.
The 7-Day + Plan also includes Flex Dollars, which can be used at any dining location on campus, including the Campus Store.
However, students with this plan cannot bring guests unless they use their Flex Dollars to pay for them.
5-Day + Plans
Similar to the 7-Day + Plans, the 5-Day + Plans provide unlimited access to the Acansa Dining Hall, but only from Monday to Friday.
This plan is perfect for students who typically leave campus on weekends. It also includes Flex Dollars, which can be used at various dining locations on campus.
Like the 7-Day plan, students cannot bring guests unless they use their Flex Dollars.
Block Plans
The Block Plans offer a set number of meals that can be used at the Acansa Dining Hall at any time during the semester.
These plans provide flexibility as students can use their meals whenever they want, and they can also bring guests by using their block meals. The available options include:
- 80 Block Meals + $125 Flex
- 50 Block Meals + $100 Flex
- 25 Block Meals + $100 Flex
Unused block meals do not roll over to the next term, so students need to use them within the semester.
Voluntary Meal Plans (VMPs)
Voluntary Meal Plans are available for commuter students and those living in specific apartment complexes like Collegiate Park Apartments, Red Wolf Den Apartments, and The Village.
These plans are similar to the block plans and offer flexibility for students who do not live on campus but still want access to campus dining facilities.
Campus Choice Plan
The Campus Choice Plan is a new option introduced for undergraduate students who are not required to have a meal plan.
This plan provides $150 in Flex Dollars per semester, which can be used at any Sodexo dining and retail locations on campus.
One of the significant benefits of this plan is that purchases made with Flex Dollars are tax-free, offering additional savings for students.
Express Dollars
Express Dollars work like a declining balance account and can be used at all dining venues on campus, the ASU Bookstore, and even some off-campus locations.
This plan is available to all students and offers a convenient way to manage food expenses.
These meal plans at Arkansas State University are designed to accommodate the varying needs and lifestyles of students, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious and convenient dining options.
Dining Locations at Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a variety of dining locations to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of its students, faculty, and staff.
Here are some of the main dining spots on campus:
Acansa Dining Hall: This is the primary dining location on campus, known for its “concept” cooking stations.
Here, you can enjoy international flavors, brick-oven pizza, home-style favorites, salads, soups, and desserts.
The dining hall has undergone significant renovations to enhance the dining experience, including new stations focusing on gluten-free and other special dietary needs[4][5].
Reng Student Union Food Court: Located in the heart of the campus, the food court offers a variety of options:
- Chick-fil-A: Famous for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, Chick-fil-A is a popular choice among students.
- Godfather’s Pizza: Known for its “Pizza Pie Piled High,” this spot serves delicious, hot pizzas.
- Howl’s Campus Grill: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items such as sausage biscuits, omelets, burgers, and fries.
- Jump Asian Express: Provides Asian cuisine, including stir-fry dishes and sushi.
- Lobos Rojos: Specializes in Mexican food, offering tacos, burritos, and more.
- Sushi with Gusto: A place for sushi lovers, offering fresh and high-quality sushi rolls.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: A counter-service chain offering coffee, bagels, egg sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
- Starbucks: Located on the second floor, this spot serves a variety of coffee beverages, pastries, and snacks.
Howl on Wheels: This food truck is located next to Collegiate Park and provides convenient meal options for students living nearby. It offers a variety of quick and tasty meals.
NorthPark Quad Grab-N-Go: This convenience store is located in the Commons area and offers snacks and other items for students on the go.
It operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and 6 p.m. to midnight on Sundays.
Dining Tent: Known as “Acansa to go,” this dining tent focuses on Southern comfort food and is located between the Dean B. Ellis Library and the Mathematics & Computer Science Building. It operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Food Carts: Various food carts are spread across the campus, including Howlin’ House of Fry and Wolf Shack Grill, offering a range of quick bites and snacks.
These dining locations, along with the flexibility of meal plans, ensure that everyone at A-State can find something to satisfy their hunger and dietary needs.
Special Dietary Needs at Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is committed to accommodating the diverse dietary needs of its students, faculty, and staff.
The university’s dining services, managed by Sodexo, offer a variety of options to ensure that everyone can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Allergen-Free Options
One of the standout features of the dining services at Arkansas State University is the Simple Servings station.
This station is specifically designed for students with food allergies or gluten intolerance.
The Simple Servings menu is free from peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, milk products, eggs, and gluten-containing ingredients.
The staff at this station are meticulously trained to avoid cross-contact with allergens, providing a safe dining environment for those with severe allergies.
Vegan and Vegetarian Choices
Arkansas State University offers a range of options for students following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The dining services ensure that vegan soup is always available, and vegan customers can request tofu as an alternative to eggs for breakfast.
Additionally, the university provides a variety of plant-based dishes that do not contain any meat, fish, eggs, milk, or other animal-derived products.
Gluten-Free Options
Recognizing the needs of students with gluten intolerance, Arkansas State University has made significant efforts to include gluten-free options in their dining halls.
The recent renovation of the Acansa Dining Hall introduced new dining stations, including one that focuses on gluten-free and other special dietary needs.
This ensures that students who need to avoid gluten can still enjoy a variety of tasty and nutritious meals.
Health-Conscious Choices
In addition to catering to specific dietary restrictions, the university’s dining services also emphasize healthy eating.
The Mindful program offers meals that meet stringent nutritional criteria based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
These meals are limited in calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, making it easier for students to make healthier choices.
Personalized Support
Arkansas State University takes a proactive approach to addressing the dietary needs of its community.
The dining services team encourages students with special dietary concerns to meet one-on-one with their staff.
This personalized support helps ensure that each student’s unique dietary requirements are met safely and satisfactorily.
Students can also access nutritional information and ingredient statements through online menus and a nutrition calculator, aiding them in making informed choices.
In summary, Arkansas State University goes above and beyond to accommodate special dietary needs, offering allergen-free, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as health-conscious meals.
The university’s commitment to providing safe and nutritious dining experiences makes it a welcoming place for all students, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
How to Sign Up for a Meal Plan at Arkansas State University
Signing up for a meal plan at Arkansas State University (A-State) is a straightforward process. Whether you are a freshman living on campus or a commuter student, there are meal plan options available to suit your needs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
To sign up for a meal plan, you need to log in to your my.AState account. This is the central hub for managing your student information, including meal plans.
- Login to my.AState: Use your student credentials to access your account.
- Navigate to the Meal Plan Section: Once logged in, find the section for meal plans under the student services or campus life tab.
After accessing the meal plan section, you will see a list of available meal plans. Follow these steps:
- Choose Your Plan: Select the meal plan that best fits your schedule and dining needs.
- Complete Enrollment: Follow the prompts to complete your enrollment. You may need to provide payment information if you are purchasing a voluntary meal plan.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have selected your meal plan and completed the enrollment process.
This email will include details about your meal plan and instructions on how to use it.
Your meal plan will be linked to your A-State ID card. Make sure to wait at least two hours before using your ID card at dining locations after making the payment.
If you need immediate access, contact the Campus Card Center at 870-972-2900 or via email at [email protected].
- Change Your Meal Plan: If you need to change your meal plan, contact University Housing before the residence halls open each semester.
- Monitor Your Usage: Keep track of your meal plan usage through your my.AState account to ensure you are making the most of your plan.
By following these steps, you can easily sign up for a meal plan at Arkansas State University and enjoy the convenience and variety of campus dining options.
Meal Plan Rates at Arkansas State University
| Meal Plan | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Unlimited | Unlimited access to Acansa Dining Hall 7 days a week. Includes Flex Dollars. | $1,650.00 |
| 5-Day Unlimited | Unlimited access to Acansa Dining Hall Monday through Friday. Includes Flex Dollars. | $1,450.00 |
| 80 Block Meals + $125 Flex | 80 meals per semester plus $125 Flex Dollars. | $685.00 |
| 50 Block Meals + $200 Flex | 50 meals per semester plus $200 Flex Dollars. | $575.00 |
| 25 Block Meals + $100 Flex | 25 meals per semester plus $100 Flex Dollars. | $285.00 |
Notes:
- Flex Dollars can be used at any dining location on campus, including the Campus Store.
- Meal plans are mandatory for all students living in certain residence halls (e.g., Kays Hall, University Hall).
- Commuter students and those living in specific apartments have the option to purchase meal plans, including Voluntary Meal Plans (VMPs).
This table provides a clear overview of the meal plan options available at Arkansas State University, including the number of meals, additional Flex Dollars, and the associated costs.
FAQs
1. Who is required to have a meal plan at Arkansas State University?
All students who live in Kays Hall, University Hall, Arkansas Hall, North Park Quads, Honors Living Learning Community, and the ROTC Living Learning Community are required to have a meal plan.
2. What are the types of meal plans available for students living on campus?
Arkansas State University offers several meal plans, including the 7-Day Plan and the 5-Day Plan, both of which provide unlimited access to dining in the Acansa Dining Hall.
Additionally, there are block meal plans such as 80 Block Meals + $125 Flex, 50 Block Meals + $100 Flex, and 25 Block Meals + $100 Flex.
3. Are there meal plan options for commuter students?
Yes, commuter students and those living in Collegiate Park Apartments, Red Wolf Den Apartments, and The Village have the option of purchasing meal plans.
They can choose from all available plans, including the Voluntary Meal Plans (VMPs).
4. What is the new ‘Campus Choice’ meal plan?
The Campus Choice meal plan is a new option that allows undergraduate students who live on campus where a meal plan is not required, and those who commute regularly, to access dining options using Flex dollars.
This plan offers tax-free purchases at on-campus retail locations like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.
5. Can faculty and staff purchase meal plans?
Yes, faculty and staff at Arkansas State University can purchase block meal plans designed to offer better dining value than paying cash.
These plans provide the same access to the Acansa Dining Hall as student meal plans and can be purchased online or via payroll deduction.
6. What are some of the dining options available on campus?
In addition to the Acansa Dining Hall and the food court in the Reng Student Union, students have access to various dining options such as Howl on Wheels, Sushi & Deli, NorthPark Quads Grab-and-Go, and several food carts like Howlin’ House of Fry and Wolf Shack Grill.
7. How can students manage and add to their meal plans?
Students can manage their meal plans and add Flex Dollars at any time in $50 increments. They can do this through the university’s dining services website or by visiting the Residence Life Office on the second floor of the Student Union.
Final Words
Choosing the right meal plan is an essential part of your college experience.
At Arkansas State University, meal plans are designed to offer convenience, variety, and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the student body.
Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, there are meal plan options to fit your lifestyle and dietary preferences.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your meal plan.
Remember, dining on campus is not just about fueling your body; it’s also about connecting with your peers and enjoying your time at Arkansas State University.
For more information or to sign up for a meal plan, visit the Arkansas State University dining services website. Happy dining!