Meal Plans

With Flex Dollars, you can use your student ID card like a debit card. Every time you make a purchase, the amount is subtracted from your Flex balance. Additional Flex Dollars can be added to your account at any time by visiting or calling the Accounting Office.

Commuter Flex plans do not expire; they roll over each semester. Flex Dollars purchased as part of a Meal Plan do expire at the end of each semester.

*Flex dollars are per semester. 

All Chouinard residents are required to participate in the 10-meal/week plan. You will be automatically enrolled for this Meal Plan and this will be reflected on your tuition bill. If you want to keep the 10-Meal Plan there is nothing further you need to do. You may upgrade this plan to a 14-, 17- or Block Meal Plan during registration each semester.

All other students must register each semester if they would like to have a Meal Plan or Flex Dollars. To register for or change a Meal Plan or add Flex Dollars, sign in to SSO and select Symplicity - Residence, then choose the appropriate-term Meal Plan + Flex. Once you have selected your Meal Plan or Flex Dollars, the applicable amount will be added to your student tuition statement within 3-5 business days.

If you want the Meal Plan charge to be included on your tuition statement be sure to complete the Meal Plan/Flex application right away. Once registration has ended, in order to add a Meal Plan or commuter Flex, you will need to call our cashier at 661-253-7846.

If you have any questions regarding the meal plans or commuter Flex, contact the Accounting Office at accounting@calarts.edu.

Each meal in your plan consists of the following, depending on time of day:

• Breakfast: (1) 21 oz beverage or (2) 12 oz beverages from the beverage bar; (1) entrée (i.e. eggs, breakfast meat and potatoes); (2) side items (i.e. bagel, pastry item, hot or cold cereal); and (1) whole fruit selection
• Lunch: (1) 21 oz beverage or (2) 12 oz beverages from the beverage bar; (1) entrée from Comfort Zone, Market Grill, Grill, or Deli; (2) side items (i.e. bread item, soup, or small salad from the salad bar); and (1) dessert or (1) whole fruit selection
• Dinner: (1) 21 oz beverage or (2) 12 oz beverages from the beverage bar; (1) entrée from the Comfort Zone, Market Grill, or Grill; (2) side items (i.e. bread item, soup, or small salad from the salad bar); and (1) dessert or (1) whole fruit selection
• Packaged beverages and snacks are not part of the Dining Plan, but may be purchased with cash or Flex Dollars.

• No refunds will be given at the end of the semester for unused weekly meals or Flex Dollars that are associated with Meal Plans. Commuter Flex Dollars do not expire.
• Students on a Meal Plan may use only one meal during any single meal period. Flex Dollars may be used anytime in Steve’s Cafe or Tatum Lounge. Flex Dollars may be used for additional point of purchase items and any additional meals.
• Meal Plans begin on August 30, 2025 for the fall semester and January 8, 2026 for the spring semester.
• Meal Plans are not available during fall, winter, or spring breaks.
• There will be a one-week grace period without penalty for any changes to the meal plan.
• Terminating the Meal Plan agreement after the first week of the semester will result in a food service charge equivalent to 15% of the semester Meal Plan charge, plus a prorated weekly charge for meals used until the date of termination.
• Students who cancel the meal plan after the seventh week of the fall or spring semester will be responsible for the total Meal Plan charge.
• Students on the mandatory Meal Plan can only be removed with a documented medical reason. A doctor’s letter explaining why the student cannot eat in the cafe should be sent directly to the Division of Student Affairs.

What are the advantages of a Meal Plan? 

The time that you use to shop, plan, cook, and clean up after your meal could be used to study, work, meet with friends, or just have fun! Our food is made from scratch daily by our own executive chef, who designs menus weekly based on the community’s food preferences and seasonality. 

Am I required to have a Meal Plan? 

All Chouinard residents are required to have at least a 10-Meal Plan. However, you may buy up to a larger plan (14-, 17-, or 140-Block Plan) to receive the best value per meal. 

I have a dietary restriction. Can that be accommodated? 

Our executive chef always prepares a daily vegetarian and vegan option; we also offer celiac-friendly and sugar-free options. If you have other special dietary restrictions or severe food allergies, please speak with the cafe manager or executive chef, who can accommodate special needs on a case-by-case basis with a physician’s request. 

What if I have kitchen facilities in my apartment or at home. Does a Meal Plan make sense for me? 

Absolutely! The time that you use to shop, plan, cook, and clean up after your meal could be used to study, work, meet with friends, or just have fun. Our food is made from scratch daily by the onsite executive chef who designs menus weekly based on the community’s food preferences as well as seasonal availability. A dining plan simply makes dining easy! 

How does a “Meals Per Week” plan work? 

Each week you can enjoy as many meals as you’ve signed up for, in any combination of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. For example, if you purchase a 14-Meal Plan, you have access to 14 meals per week. Unused meals expire at the end of the week (meal count for the week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday). 

Where can I use my “Meals Per Week” plan? 

Flex Dollars can be used in both Steve’s Cafe and Tatum Lounge, CalArts’ two on-site dining options. 

How do I change my Meal Plan? 

If you would like to increase your Meal Plan, you may do so during online registration if you have not completed the registration process. If you have already completed the process, you may call the Accounting Office at 661-253-7846 or email accounting@calarts.edu. 

Can I share my student ID card (Meal Plan and Flex Dollars) with a friend? 

Sorry, but no. The student ID card with your photo on it is for your use only to access your personal Meal Plan. A friend may not borrow or use it, as Meal Plan access is simply not transferable. So, if the photo doesn’t come close to looking like you, the cashier will have to keep it. We encourage you to use your student ID card to treat a friend, but you must be present to do so. 

How do Flex Dollars work? 

With Flex Dollars, you can use your student ID card like a bank debit card. Use Flex Dollars to purchase beverages, snacks, or even a full meal. Every time you make a purchase, the amount is subtracted from your Flex balance. Additional Flex Dollars can be added to your account at any time by contacting the Accounting Office at 661-253-7846 or accounting@calarts.edu.

Do Flex Dollars expire? 

Commuter Flex Plans do not expire; they roll over each semester. Flex Dollars purchased as part of a Meal Plan do expire at the end of each semester. 

Where can I use my Flex Dollars? 

Flex Dollars may be used in Steve’s Cafe or Tatum Lounge. 

Can I add Flex Dollars to my account? 

Sure, and by converting your cash into Flex Dollars, the sales tax is already covered. Just visit or call the Cashier at 661-253-7846 to add Flex Dollars to your account. 

What do I do if my student ID card gets lost or stolen? 

If your student ID card leaves home without you, or simply disappears on you, you may have your card replaced at the Cashier’s Window. Replacement cards are $5, and are issued Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm. You will receive a receipt from the cashier to take to Campus Safety for your replacement card. 

Where can I see the latest menu? 

Weekly menus are available at: calarts.cafebonappetit.com.

For general questions regarding Meal Plans and the cafes, please contact the Bon Appetit office directly at 661-253-7855 or by email at cafe@calarts.edu.