How it Works & FAQ
How it Works
The barcode on the back of your student ID is scanned and identifies your account when you make a purchase.
Meals
Meals are included in five of the six meal plans. You can use a Meal for all-you-care-to-eat dining at Fresh Food Co. and The Dish and/or to purchase Combo Meals (predetermined meal items) at various locations. One Meal will be subtracted from your account. You can use up to 4 meals per day using a weekly Meal Plan (exception: Unlimited Plan). If you have a semester plan, you can use Meals at your discretion.
Dining Dollars
All Plans include Dining Dollars to use in Laker Food Co. restaurants, coffee shops and C-Stores. Purchase beverages, snacks, or meals with Dining Dollars. It's like a debit card; each time a purchase is made, the amount is subtracted from your account. You can add Dining Dollars throughout the semester.
Which Plan to Choose
Visit our Choosing a Plan guide for more detailed Plan breakdowns based on where you live.
- Traditional Style Living Centers* (Copeland, Kistler, Robinson)
- Suite Style Living Centers* (DeVos, Kirkpatrick, Maple, Oak, Pew, Pickard, Pine, Seidman, Stafford, Swanson)
- Cluster Style Living Center* (Holton-Hooker)
*Students in these living areas are required to select a Meal Plan and will automatically receive a 14+ plan as part of their Housing contract.
Choose any Plan except Express or Casual+
- Apartment Style Living Centers** (Frey, Hills, Hoobler, Johnson, Ott, North C, Weed)
**Students in these living areas may choose any plan except the Express or Casual Plan.
- On-Campus Apartments (Calder Art Residence, Grand Valley Apartments, Laker Village, Murray, Niemeyer East & West, Secchia, South C/D/E, VanSteeland, Winter Hall)
- Off-Campus and Commuter Students
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Winter Meal Plans active?
Meal Plans activate on Monday, January 6, 2025. Classes start on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Can I change my Meal Plan?
Yes! You can change your Winter Meal Plan beginning Monday November 25, 2024 through the first week of Winter classes, Friday, January 10, 2025 at 5pm. During the change period, look for the Meal Plan Change Form on our website under Meal Plans. Fall 2025 semester Meal Plans can be purchased and changed beginning July 2025 through the first Friday of classes in August 2025.
What if I have unused Dining Dollars at the end of the semester?
Unused Dining Dollars transfer from Fall to Winter semester. Be sure to use them by the end of Winter semester. Any unused dollars are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to the new academic year.
What if I have unused Meals?
Casual+ Meals are per semester and will roll to Winter semester. The Unlimited, 14+, 7+, and 5+ plans are per week and do not roll over to the next week.
What if my Dining Dollars run low?
Check your balance online, or ask any Laker Food Co. cashier.
3 Ways to add Dining Dollars:
- Visit www.gvsufood.com
- Call (616) 331-3016
- Visit 100 Commons
Accepted payment methods:
- VISA, Mastercard, Discover
- Bill your Student Account (online or in person)
Can I use national brand gift cards on campus?
Starbucks is the only national brand on campus that accepts gift cards. The best thing for family and friends to do is buy a Laker Food Co. gift card. Students have the freedom to use those gift cards at all Laker Food Co. locations, including national brands. Laker Food Co. gift cards may be purchased online at campusdish.com, via telephone at (616) 331-3016, or in the Laker Food Co. office.
Will my Meal Plan be renewed for the winter semester?
YES, if you live in:
- Traditional: Copeland, Kistler, Robinson, Holton-Hooker
- Suite Style: DeVos, Kirkpatrick, Maple, Oak, Pew, Pickard, Pine, Seidman, Stafford, Swanson
- Apartment Style: Frey, Hills, Hoobler, Johnson, Ott, North C, Weed
NO, if you live in:
- On-Campus Apartment: Calder Art Residence, Grand Valley Apartments, Laker Village, Murray, Niemeyer East & West, Secchia, South C/D/E, VanSteeland, Winter Hall
- Off-Campus and Commuter Students
Where can I use my Meal Plan?
Meal plans can be used at any Laker Food Co. locations on the Allendale and Pew campuses.
If you have additional questions, please call (616) 331-3016, or email [email protected].
What happens if I lose my student I.D.?
- Visit Student Services to replace your I.D.
- Call Laker Food Co. (616) 331-3016 or visit the office at 100 Commons to register your new barcode to your existing meal plan
When do weekly Meals reset?
Every Saturday night at midnight.