Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a 3.42% overall increase to meal plan rates for fiscal year 2027 at the latest board meeting.
Meal plan rates are set to increase between $110-160, depending on the type of plan. The apartment plan, which allows five meals per week and one Flex, will not increase. Previously, the overall meal plan rate increased 3.6% for the current academic year's prices. The 3.42% increase is the lowest increase meal plans have seen in the last five years, showed data presented in the Board of Regents meeting packet.
Regents present voted yes on the increase except Regent Jenita Moore, who voted no. Regents Chad Newton and Marquis Thomey were not present at the Feb. 12, 2026, meeting.
Moore told The Eastern Echo that her vote against the increase was largely due to student feedback about dining options on campus, after the closure of multiple dining and market locations on campus last August prompted criticism from the student body.
"Based on just listening to students over the course of time about the opposition of what has happened, what we shut down, what has moved, changed, I was concerned ... overall with the increase," Moore said. "How would this impact students?"
Moore said she has questions about whether the increase will result in a better experience for students.
"Until I see what will transpire, I have to say no," she said. "Some things require us to have to do an increase, but right now, I don't feel food is one of them."
Information presented to the board explained the financial considerations behind the decision to increase the meal plan rate.
"This increase accounts for cost increases in both food and labor, as inflation continues to put pressure on the food service industry. Food inflation, while down from historic highs of 7% and 8% in FY23 and FY24, is still outpacing historical averages," stated information presented to the board. "EMU's meal plan prices continue to be in line with similar colleges and universities in our area and across the nation."
Depending on the type of plan a student selects, rates at EMU currently range from $2,075-3,550, which is on par with comparable universities in Michigan. At Central Michigan University, student meal plans are currently $3,050 per semester. On Feb. 12, 2026, the CMU Board of Trustees approved an increase of $122 for all meal plans, beginning in the fall. At Western Michigan University, residence hall meal plans cost slightly less, ranging from $2,809-3,130.50. At a December meeting, WMU trustees approved a 3.5% increase to meal plan rates, meeting minutes showed.
During the EMU Board of Regents meeting, Moore said she had concerns about food and financial insecurity in students.
At EMU, 46.5% of students experience some level of food insecurity, said Graduate Student Colton Ray in a previous interview with The Echo. Ray works at Swoop's Pantry, EMU's on-campus food pantry.
Swoop's is located on the first floor of Pierce Hall and is open 12-6 p.m. on Mondays and 12-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. For information about Swoop's offerings and to fill out an intake form, visit the pantry's webpage.
