Faculty and staff now have the option to purchase a meal plan similar to what’s available for students. Dining Services announced on Nov. 5  on Twitter that, faculty and staff can sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction.

“There was a large interest from faculty/staff to be able to purchase meal plans in order to save money on the door-rate in the all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities,” wrote Leah Spiker, a dining services marketing employee, in an email.

Kent State’s meal plans consist of declining balance and swipes. Declining balance is available for use anywhere on campus while swipes can only be used at the all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities.

The meal plan can be purchased on FlashLine under the ‘employee meal plan’ tab. Once the form is filled out, the plan is set in place.

The announcement is still new and some faculty have not heard of the opportunity.

Tom Warren, a professor and reference center manager, said he was not aware of the meal plans being offered. Warren said he uses FlashCash to buy food but would consider switching to the employee meal plan if there was an advantage.

One advantage is the ability to use a meal swipe at the all-you-care-to-eat dining halls instead of paying the door-rate. Over time, this can save money.

Faculty and staff are offered the “On The Go Plan” and “Flash 30 Block,” according to the university’s website.

Each semester, the “On The Go Plan” includes a $150 declining balance plus a $15 bonus. Spiker said this plan is targeted for the regional campuses but faculty and staff from any campus are able to purchase. The unused declining balance will continue to roll over until the employee leaves the university.

‘Flash 30 Block’ includes 30 meal swipes at Eastway Fresh Food Company, The Market, Prentice Café and Schwebel Room, and a $250 declining balance. The unused declining balance will roll over, but swipes will not.

Meal exchange is available on ‘Flash 30’ plan at Rosie’s Diner, Eastway Deli, Munchies Market Deli, George T. Simon III Cafe and The CUE Express. Meal exchange uses a swipe in exchange for a meal — typically a sandwich, side and a drink.

Faculty and staff can use their declining balance to pay for family and friends. According to the university’s website, “these meal plans provide great options for faculty and staff to save money and enjoy the convenience of eating on campus.” Click here to learn more about the meal plan.

Vanessa Gresley is the Housing reporter. Contact her at [email protected].