Selling Food At Cleveland State University: What Students Should Know

Cleveland State University offers a variety of dining options for its students, including meal plans, on-campus dining locations, and off-campus restaurants. The university's Dining Services Department encourages students to purchase meal plans, which include meals and dining dollars. Meals are offered at a discounted price, while dining dollars can be used at various dining locations across campus. On-campus dining options include the Viking Marketplace, which offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet, as well as Chik-fil-A, Starbucks, and Barrio Tacos. For those seeking off-campus dining, there are several affordable restaurants within walking distance, such as Cafe Bon Appetit, Superior Pho, and Pure & Supreme Cuisine, offering a range of vegan and vegetarian options. However, it is unclear if students are permitted to sell food on campus.

Meal plans for students

Cleveland State University's Dining Services Department offers a range of meal plans to suit students' varying schedules and eating habits. The university recommends that all students, whether living on campus or commuting, consider signing up for a meal plan.

Standing Reservation Meal Plan

The Standing Reservation Meal Plan is a great option if you want to simplify your life and save money. With this plan, you will receive a certain number of "meals" and "dining dollars". Meals are offered at a discounted price and dining dollars turn your Viking ID Card into a debit card that can be used at various dining locations across the campus.

Dining Locations

Cleveland State University provides multiple dining locations on campus, including the Student Center, which features several dining options such as the Viking Marketplace, an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with home-cooked meals. Other dining options include Chik-fil-a, Starbucks, Barrio Tacos, The Longship food truck, and Viking Public House.

Signing Up for a Meal Plan

You can sign up for a meal plan by clicking on the category that best fits your lifestyle and adding more funds to your account when needed. You can also use the meal plan recommendation tool to find the best plan for you.

On-campus dining options

Cleveland State University offers a variety of dining options for students, whether they live on campus or commute. The university's Dining Services Department provides several meal plan options, including the Standing Reservation Meal Plan, which offers students convenience and savings. Meal plans include a set number of "meals" and "dining dollars." Meals are offered at a discounted price, and dining dollars turn a student's Viking ID Card into a debit card that can be used at various dining locations across the CSU campus.

One of the primary dining locations on campus is the Student Center, which features the Viking Marketplace. Here, students can enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with home-cooked meals. The Viking Marketplace is also a nut-free facility, offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.

In addition to the Student Center, CSU has added several new dining options, including Chik-fil-A, Starbucks, Barrio Tacos, The Longship food truck, and Viking Public House. These additions provide a diverse range of choices for students, from full-fledged foodies to those seeking vegan or grab-and-go options.

For those who prefer to cook their own meals, CSU's residence halls, such as Euclid Commons, offer fully-equipped kitchenettes. Additionally, CSU's nearby off-campus neighbourhood, the Campus District, has several affordable dining options, including Cafe Bon Appetit, Superior Pho, Pure & Supreme Cuisine, and Aladdin's Baking Co.

Off-campus dining options

Cleveland State University offers a wide range of off-campus dining options to suit different dietary preferences and lifestyles. The vibrant campus is located in downtown Cleveland, providing easy access to numerous dining establishments in the area. Here are some options and highlights of off-campus dining near Cleveland State University:

• Chik-fil-A: A popular fast-food chain known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and Southern hospitality. This option is ideal for those seeking a quick bite on the go.
• Starbucks: The world-renowned coffee chain needs no introduction. Starbucks offers a wide range of coffee and tea-based beverages, as well as light snacks and pastries. It's a perfect spot to fuel up before classes or during study breaks.
• Barrio Tacos: A local favourite, Barrio Tacos brings a unique twist to traditional Mexican cuisine. They offer a variety of creative tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes. It's a great choice for those seeking bold flavours and a lively dining atmosphere.
• The Longship Food Truck: For those who enjoy street food, The Longship Food Truck offers a convenient and eclectic dining experience. The menu typically features a variety of dishes, from classic comfort food to international fare.
• Viking Public House: This establishment caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. They offer a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends or colleagues.
• Local Restaurants and Cafes: In addition to the above options, downtown Cleveland boasts a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Whether you're craving Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, or good old American classics, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Explore the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Euclid Avenue and East 4th Street, to discover hidden gems and local favourites.

Remember to check out the CSU Dining Services website for more information on off-campus dining options and to stay up-to-date with the latest additions to the campus dining scene. With so many choices available, Cleveland State University students can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences during their time on and off-campus.

Viking Food Co. meal plan perks

Cleveland State University's Viking Food Co. offers a range of meal plan perks to cater to students' diverse needs and preferences. Here are some of the key benefits:

Convenience and Flexibility

The Viking Food Co. meal plan offers unparalleled convenience with 11 dining locations across campus. Students can use their meal swipes for all-you-care-to-eat meals at the Viking Marketplace, the residential dining hall. Additionally, Dining Dollars turn your Viking Card into a debit card, providing flexibility to make purchases at any Viking Food Co. location, including the latest additions like Chik-fil-a, Starbucks, and Barrio Tacos.

Nutritional Options

Viking Food Co. is committed to providing nutritious and inclusive dining options. They cater to various dietary needs with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free choices available across their locations. The Viking Marketplace is a nut-free facility, ensuring a safe dining experience for those with nut allergies.

Rollover and Expiry Benefits

The Viking Food Co. meal plan offers generous rollover options for unused Dining Dollars. Any unused dollars from the summer semester will carry over to the fall semester, and remaining fall semester dollars will roll over to the spring semester. It's important to note that these Dining Dollars do have an annual expiration on the last day of exams in the spring semester.

To-Go Meals

Recognizing the busy lifestyles of students, Viking Food Co. offers a convenient to-go meal program called OZZI. For a $5 refundable deposit, students can enrol in this reusable take-out option at Viking Marketplace, providing the flexibility to grab meals on the move.

Guest Swipes

The meal plan also includes guest swipes, allowing students to share their dining experiences with friends or family. The All Access and weekly meal plans come with five guest swipes per semester, making it perfect for hosting guests on campus.

Culinary Expertise

Cleveland State University's Dining Services boasts a talented team of four certified chefs leading a campus culinary crew of nearly 300 employees. This dedicated team crafts diverse and innovative meal options, ranging from traditional favourites to unique cultural cuisine, ensuring that students have a wide variety of dining choices.

Food pantry for students

Cleveland State University has a food pantry called Lift Up Vikes! (LUV!) for students, families, and individuals experiencing food insecurity and in need of additional support. The food pantry is located in Berkman Hall Room 122 and is open during the fall semester on Tuesdays from 3 PM to 6 PM, Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3 PM, Thursdays from 2 PM to 6 PM, and Fridays from 12 PM to 4 PM. The pantry operates on an appointment-only basis from Tuesday to Thursday, with walk-in shopping available on Fridays.

LUV! is a choice-pantry, meaning it offers a range of items that users may not be able to access otherwise. Appointments can be made by signing up for an available shopping timeslot on https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040848AEA23A3F49-50745452-luv#/. It is important to note that appointment slots are limited, and patrons must arrive at their designated shopping time to prevent lines and traffic backup.

The LUV! food pantry is supported by staff and volunteers who are involved in the daily operations of the pantry. Their duties include client intake, preparing reports, unloading and preparing food deliveries, working with student-clients, promoting LUV! services, community outreach, and referring to appropriate campus resources to support basic needs. Staff and volunteers complete training in food service and civil rights offered through the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

In addition to the food pantry, CSU offers other resources for students experiencing food insecurity. For example, the Cleveland Food Bank HELP LINE can provide information on food resources near a student's home, such as hot meal sites and open food pantries. Students can also apply for SNAP/food stamps by calling the same help line and providing relevant information about their financial aid and work situation.

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