Voluntary Meal Plans
Dining discounts for apartment and off-campus Slugs, faculty, and staff
If you live in a campus apartment or off campus, you do not have a required meal plan. Instead, you can choose to purchase voluntary dining funds (Banana Bucks or Flexi Dollars) through the GET app or website.
Students in campus apartments or off campus—as well as faculty and staff—can enjoy discounts at UCSC Dining locations with Banana Bucks and Flexi Dollars.
Banana Bucks
Banana Bucks work like a debit account and offer discounts and convenience at all UCSC Dining-operated locations.
- All-you-care-to-enjoy meals at the Dining Halls: $12.60 for breakfast, $13.65 for lunch, $14.70 for dinner, and $13.65 for late night.
- Get 10% off your purchases when you pay with Banana Bucks at UCSC Dining-operated cafes, coffee bars, and markets.
- Banana Bucks are non-transferable and non-refundable; they carry over from quarter to quarter and expire at the end of spring quarter (June 15, 2026).
How do I purchase Banana Bucks?
Purchase Banana Bucks using the GET mobile app or website — they are instantly added to your dining account. Banana Bucks are separate from your housing contract and are not managed through the Housing Portal.
Banana Bucks are available in the following amounts: $50, $100, $500
Because Banana Bucks expire at the end of spring quarter, they are not available to purchase based on the schedule below:
- $500 option not available May 1–June 20, 2026
- $100 option not available May 20–June 20, 2026
- $50 option not available June 5–20, 2026
Flexi Dollars
Flexi Dollars work like a debit account and offer discounts and convenience at all UCSC Dining-operated locations, plus they can be used at the Bay Tree Campus Store, independently-operated campus locations like Iveta Cafe, select off-campus vendors, and for delivery from local restaurants via Grubhub.
- Enjoy all-you-care-to-enjoy meals at the Dining Halls: $12.95 for breakfast, $14 for lunch, $15.05 for dinner, and $14 for late night.
- Get 10% off your purchases when you pay with Flexi Dollars at UCSC Dining-operated cafes, coffee bars, and markets.
- Can be used at additional locations on and off campus
- Flexi Dollars are non-transferable and non-refundable; they carry over from quarter to quarter and expire at the end of spring quarter (June 15, 2026).
How do I purchase Flexi Dollars?
Purchase Flexi Dollars using the GET mobile app or website — they are instantly added to your dining account. Flexi Dollars are separate from your housing contract and are not managed through the Housing Portal.
Flexi Dollars are available in the following amounts: $50, $100, $500
Because Flexi Dollars expire at the end of spring quarter, they are not available to purchase based on the schedule below:
- $500 option not available May 1–June 20, 2026
- $100 option not available May 20–June 20, 2026
- $50 option not available June 5–20, 2026
Faculty and Staff Meal Plans
Enjoy the discounts that Banana Bucks and Flexi Dollars offer!
Step 1: Request Access to GET
Request access to the GET app and website so you can purchase Flexi Dollars or Banana Bucks, track your balance, and pay at UCSC Dining locations. You only have to request access one time; once you’ve been added, you’ll be able to use the GET Mobile app on your phone or the GET website anytime.
To request access, you must be logged in to your UCSC Google account. Please allow 24-48 hours for processing. Weekend and holiday requests are not processed until the next university business day.
Banana Bucks and Flexi Dollars are accepted at all locations operated by UCSC Dining
Dining Halls
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a meal plan if I live in an apartment?
No. Required meal plans only apply to students in the residence halls. Apartment and off-campus students may purchase Banana Bucks or Flexi Dollars if they want dining discounts and convenience, but it’s entirely optional.
Can I cancel my voluntary meal plan?
There’s nothing to cancel because you don’t have a required meal plan. Any unused Banana Bucks or Flexi Dollars you purchase will stay on your account until they expire at the end of spring quarter.