When Flex Bucks run out, University of Memphis students with meal plans are restricted to eating in the Tiger Den buffet. The Student Government Association aims to change that.
Recently, Ricky Kirby, president of the SGA, sent Aramark food services a proposal that would allow students who purchase a meal plan to use it at all Tiger Dining locations on campus.
Students can currently use their meal plan only in the Tiger Den buffet. If Aramark approves the proposal, students would be able to use their meal plan and receive up to $6 off their purchase.
"A few years ago before Dining Dollars took affect, you could use meal plans in the Union of the University Center, and $5.50 would be taken off of each meal," Kirby said. "However, as of now, there is no equivalency in meal plans - equivalency is what SGA is working towards gaining for students."
Kirby said that, according to Danny Armitage, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Services, there are only 50 commuter students who have a meal plan.
As a commuter, Kirby purchased the 50-block plan, which includes 50 meals as well as $500 of Flex Bucks.
As for residents, the available meal plans include the 50-block plan, 80-block plan, 160-block plan and the unlimited meal plan.
The 80-block plan is $885 a semester. The 160-block plan costs $1,360 a semester. The unlimited plan adds up to $1,475 a semester. Each of these plans includes $275 Flex Bucks. The 50-block resident plan includes $500 Flex Bucks.
Flex Bucks, like Dining Dollars, are used to eat on campus. However, Flex Bucks are paid straight to Tiger Dining facilities and only roll over if students re-purchase a meal plan the next semester.
Rachel Brandon, an administrative assistant for SGA, believes the small selection from the Tiger Den buffet grows old fast.
"My first year, I had a meal plan, but this year I don't because of the food selections available," Brandon said. "Why eat at the Tiger Den buffet when I can eat fresh at Subway?"
According to Brandon, Flex Bucks are the reason that a lot of students purchase meal plans in the first place, since those who are not on a plan do not receive any.
One issue that stands in the way of a change is the fact that U of M students and faculty have not agreed on a specific amount of money that should be taken off each purchase if the proposal is approved.
While SGA hopes for students to receive $6 off with the proposed meal plan equivalency, an exact number has not been agreed upon with Aramark.
According to Kirby, changes to the current meal plan may not be seen until the following fall semester depending on what progress is made with Aramark.
Aramark could not be reached for comment.
