Meal Plan Options + Information

2025–2026 MEAL PLANS

Meal Plan Options for First-Time, On-Campus Students (Meal plans are selected through the Student Housing Application for on-campus students)

🔸 All-Access Plan – $2,420/semester
• Unlimited access to the Hornets Nest dining hall
• 5 guest swipes per semester
• Includes $125 Dining Dollars (usable at all retail locations)

🔸 Block 150 Plan – $2,420/semester
• 150 meals per semester at Hornets Nest dining hall
• Flexibility in how and when meals are used
• Includes $325 Dining Dollars (usable at all retail locations)

Meal Plan Option for Returning or Transfer Students (Choose from either option above, or the one below)

🔸 Block 65 Plan – $1,572/semester
• 65 meals per semester at Hornets Nest dining hall
• Includes $275 Dining Dollars (usable at all retail locations)

Other Plans

Commuter & Faculty/Staff Plans

🔹 Commuter Plan – $424.50/semester (Available to off campus students, faculty and staff)
• Includes 50 meal swipes + $75 Dining Dollars
• Swipes are usable at Hornets Nest and Hornet Express
​​​​• Swipe equivalency at the Hornet Express; If the cost of the meal exceeds $7, the buyer will need to pay the difference 
• Dining Dollars are available at all retail locations.
• Expires at the end of the semester

🔹 Faculty/Staff Plan – $178.50/semester
•Includes 25 meal swipes
• Usable at Hornets Nest and Hornet Express
​​​​• Swipe equivalency at the Hornet Express; If the cost of the meal exceeds $7, the buyer will need to pay the difference 
• Rolls over as long as the employee remains at ESU

Information

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars are included in student meal plans and function like a debit account on your Hornet ID.
• Usable at Hornets Nest, Hornet Express, and Starbucks
• Can be used for guest meals or if you run out of swipes on a block plan
• Unused Dining Dollars roll from fall to spring
• Dining Dollars expire at the end of spring semester (non-refundable, non-transferable)

Hornet Bucks / Declining Balance

Hornet Bucks allows you to load funds onto your Hornet ID to spend at any dining location on campus.
• Add funds via the FreshX app using the “Reload Cash Balance” button
• Available in $50, $100, $150, $200, $300, or $500 increments
• Unused balance rolls from fall to spring
• Balance expires at the end of spring semester

Dining Services with Fresh Ideas

Emporia State University partners with Fresh Ideas to provide residential and retail dining services, as well as catering services, for the campus community. Below is information about the dining venues located in the Memorial Union and meal plans available to the campus community.

Dining Venues

Hornet Express

The Hornet Express (HX) is a retail dining venue located on the main level of the Memorial Union. It features multiple dining options, along with a wide selection of bottled and fountain beverages, grab-and-go snacks, and convenience items.

Hornets Nest

The Hornets Nest is the residential dining facility located on the west end of the main level of the Memorial Union. The Hornets Nest is the main dining hall for students.

Starbucks

Fully licensed store offering a full menu of coffee, specialty beverages, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Use the Starbucks app to preorder - Credit Card or Dining Dollars.

For questions about dining services or meal plans, please contact:
Union Services at Emporia State University Memorial Union, Lower Level (West End)
Phone: 620-341-5901
Office Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm