New meal plan options at Kent State University Culinary Services are giving students more flexibility heading into the Fall 2026 semester after feedback showed that traditional plans did not always match students’ schedules and eating habits. 

The updated plans include the introduction of the 1910 Plan, the return of the Blue Plan and the continuation of the Gold Plan. Together, these options aim to balance structure and adaptability, allowing students to choose a plan that better fits their lifestyle. 

According to Mike Villanova, a representative from Culinary Services, the changes come after years of student and parent feedback requesting more flexibility in how meal plans can be used across campus. 

“We’ve had about four years of feedback from students and parents asking for more flexibility,” Villanova said. 

He said the Blue Plan has declined in popularity in recent years, with sales dropping 11% from 2023 to 2024 and another 6% the following year. 

Villanova added that expanding declining balance options allows students to dine where they want while also helping reduce congestion in dining halls during peak hours. 

The new 1910 Plan was designed to bridge the gap between flexibility and structure. 

“The 1910 Plan offers flexibility while still including 175 meal swipes for dining halls,” Villanova said. 

Villanova said bringing back the Blue Plan was also an important decision after hearing directly from students. 

“We listened, and we heard you,” he said. 

He added that offering three primary plans — Gold, Blue and 1910 — ensures a wider range of options to meet different student

needs. 

“Our goal is to create a balanced range of options, from the maximum value and security of the Gold Plan, to the unlimited access of the Blue Plan and the flexibility of the 1910 Plan,” Villanova said. 

The 1910 Plan offers 175 meal swipes and $400 in declining balance, providing more freedom to eat at retail locations across campus. The Blue Plan, brought back after student demand, focuses on unlimited dining hall access with a smaller declining balance, while the Gold Plan remains the most comprehensive option with unlimited swipes, $500 in declining balance and additional funds for downtown dining. 

For some students, meal plan usage changes as their living situations and schedules shift. 

Anna Marks, a sophomore physical education sport performance major, said she used her meal plan frequently during her freshman year while living on campus. 

“I used it all the time freshman year because it was just easier,” Marks said. “Everything was right there, and I didn’t have to think about it.” 

Now living off campus, Marks said she rarely uses campus dining. 

“I don’t go nearly as much anymore,” she said. “I cook more or just grab food off campus, so having a lot of swipes wouldn’t really make sense for me now.” 

Marks said having more flexibility, such as increased declining balance, would better fit her current routine. 

Cael Andrews, a junior construction management major, said his meal plan usage depends heavily on his daily schedule. 

“It really depends on the day,” Andrews said. “If I’m on campus for a long time, I’ll use it, but if I’m not, then I don’t.” 

Andrews said flexibility is key for students who are not consistently on campus. 

“If you’re not here all the time, it can feel like you’re wasting money,” he said. “So having more options definitely helps.” 

Students who have already selected a meal plan for the fall semester can still make changes through the housing portal before the semester begins, allowing them to choose the option that best fits their needs.

Jordan Hiles is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].