Food Service
Viking Grounds
Food Service at Valley City State University is a declining cash balance program that works like a debit card. You enter into a year long contract where you can choose from one of four different plans depending on your eating habits. Students can choose between our two dining facilities on campus, the Cafeteria and the Viking I. Wild Pizza, an on-campus pizza delivery service, also delivers to the dorms. Viking Grounds, a Starbucks Coffee Shop located in the VCSU Student Center recently opened and students are able to use their meal plan dollars here as well. Students begin by selecting one of the four plans below.
Plan 1
Designed for light eaters that spend weekends off campus.
Plan 2
Designed for students who spend a few weekends on campus and eat some meals during the week.
Plan 3
This plan is appropriate for students who eat on campus during the week, some weekends, and snack lightly.
Plan 4
This plan is designed for students who stay on campus during the weekend, eat most meals on campus, and snack occassionally.
** The above descriptions are based on students who eat the majority of the meals in the cafeteria. The cafeteria is a one price, all inclusive meal that is more cost effective for the student than dining in the Viking I retail location. **
Frequently Asked Food Service Questions
1. How does the declining cash balance program work?
Students at VCSU
After selecting a plan and filling out a contract at the Housing Office, an account will be set up for your use in the food service. Your account number will be on your ID card which you will receive at the Information Desk. The ID card must be presented to the cashier each time you eat. The amount of purchase will be subtracted from your balance. When you reach zero your credit is used up.
2. What things should I consider when choosing the proper food service plan?
Think about your eating habits. Do you like to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Do you only like to eat two meals a day? Do you normally snack thoughout the day? These are all things to take into consideration while choosing a board plan that will best fit your needs.
3. Is there an advantage to buying the larger plan?
Yes. Free credit is given with Plans 3 and 4. The credit dollars are available only when purchasing plans at registration.
4. Who is required to buy a plan?
All residence hall students will be required to be on a food service plan.
5. What do I do if I lose my ID card?
Report the loss at the Student Center Information Desk. ID replacements are $15.
6. May I transfer my balance to the next semester?
No. It must be used in the semester it was purchased.
7. May I use my plan to pay for meals for my guests?
Yes, you may pay for visitors' meals using your plan.
8. May I change my plan level?
All changes in food service should be made though the Housing Office which is located at the Information Desk in the Student Center.
Where does my money go?
Server at the Cafeteria
When you make payment on your board plan, a portion of the payment is applied as a "facility usage" fee. Sodexho Food Service and Valley City State University use that portion of your payment to maintain and update food service facilities.
On the chart below, the cost is the actual amount you pay for each plan. The purchase power is how much money you actually have to spend.
If you run out of purchasing power before the end of the semester you can add money to your account without any further facility fee. If you have excess purchasing power remaining at the end of the semester, you are not allowed to carry-over or withdraw money from your account. Sodexho offers numerous semester-end opportunities for students to purchase bulk food items and frozen products.
| VCSU BOARD PLANS |
Cost Per Semester |
Purchase Power |
| PLAN 1 |
$1,030.00 |
$772.00 |
| PLAN 2 |
$1,300.00 |
$1,042.00 |
| PLAN 3 |
$1,540.00 |
*$1,282.00 |
| PLAN 4 |
$1,900.00 |
*$1,642.00 |
*Plus free credit given by Sodexo Food Services.
Where can I eat on-campus?
Cooler
At Valley City State University we have two dining facilities, the Cafeteria and Viking I.
The Cafeteria serves lunch and dinner in a buffet style, complete with drinks, soup, salad, and dessert bars. The Cafeteria provides an excellent atmosphere for a nice sit down meal with friends.
The Viking I serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner where students can purchase a complete meal or else individually select items to purchase. This is ideal for those fast food cravings & quick snack stops. Items can be eaten in our seating area or purchased 'to go.'
Students also have the opportunity to use their board plan to order pizza from the Viking I pizza shop, Wild Pizza. Students call in their order and it will be delivered to their dorm for a small fee.
Sodexo recently opened the "Viking Grounds", a Starbucks coffee shop located in VCSU's Student Center. This is another establishment where students can use their meal plan dollars.
If you have any questions regarding your board plan please feel free to call the Housing Office toll free at 1-800-532-8641 ext. 3-7124 or 701-845-7124.
For more information on Sodexo Food Services at Valley City State University, including weekly menus, please visit the VCSU Dining webpage at www.vcsudining.com.
