There will be no price increase on unlimited meal plans for the second academic year in a row.
As part of an initiative by the Faculty Student Association (FSA) to keep dining plans affordable without sacrificing quality, the price on unlimited meal plans will stay the same going into the 2018-19 school year. Nearly 60% of students on a resident meal plan have chosen an unlimited meal plan.
“Keeping prices static is a welcome way of alleviating some pressure on students’ wallets while giving them the best value for their money,” staid Maryanne Reinhardt, FSA Chief Financial Officer.
Unlimited plans include the ability to swipe in at all dine-in locations, guest passes and flexible Dining Dollars to use at different retail locations on campus such as Starbucks, Subway and Jasmine, the Asian food court at the Charles B. Wang Center. FSA believes Stony Brook’s unlimited plan has more value than comparable SUNY and peer schools because in many cases, it offers a lower price tag, greater hours of service at dining locations and more diverse menu options.
“I feel that the price freeze on the unlimited meal plans is an incredible success. Any savings that helps students make college more affordable is a blessing,” said Lazaro Rivera’ 20, a representative from Student Voice on Campus Dining.
Diverse menu options include monthly guest chefs bringing “International Nights” and specialty cuisine from around the globe as well as Heritage Month events which introduce students to new flavors and cuisines.
This academic year, FSA has expanded the Kosher and Halal offerings on campus besides the already dedicated concepts Halal NY and Delancey St. Kosher Deli in East Side Dining. Kosher meals are now available upon request at East Side Dining and West Side Dining dine-in or students can customize their meal by ordering online 24 hours in advance. Besides Halal NY at East Side Dining, Halal meals are also available upon request at dine-in at the Chef’s Table at East Side Dining and at the Grill at West Side Dining. Kosher grab-and-go sandwiches and salads can be found throughout campus at retail locations.
Stony Brook University also boasts accommodations for students with special dietary needs including a nut sensitive location at West Side Dining dine-in, Oasis allergen friendly dining at both dine-in locations and free nutrition counseling for all students.
A Continuous Effort
FSA makes every effort to lower costs for Stony Brook University students, which is why for the 2017-2018 school year, retail prices at dining locations were frozen and the door prices at dine-in remained unchanged.
At the end of May, to reflect consumer price increases, there was a 2.5% increase on retail prices and dine-in door prices, and a 1% price increase on all other resident meal plans. This increase makes it possible to keep the unlimited meal plan prices stable, benefitting resident students who dine on campus the most. For the 2018-2019 school year, the price of the unlimited meal plans is still the best value with no price increase.
“From the perspective of a student that is paying for college, I am extremely grateful that the unlimited meal plan has had no increase in price for two years in a row,” said Cynthia Cambareri, president for Student Voice on Campus Dining. “Food is an essential part of a student’s every day life, and not having to worry about the price going up is a relief to myself and my peers.”
To find out more about meal plan pricing and to find the best plan to meet your needs, check out all of the meal plan options here.
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