Food Services

Meal Plans

Meal plans are provided by the College’s Food Service company. They run the two facilities that provide food to students, the North Campus Dining Room and the snackbar, commonly known as the Grotto. This family-run establishment caters especially to the needs of Franklin students, yet maintains a distinctly Ticinese character. The Dining Hall serves hot meals throughout the week while the Grotto offers a full salad bar and sandwich buffet option.

Franklin requires all first year students to be on a Grotto meal plan for their first two semesters, excluding Summer Sessions. The meal plan offers 10 weekly meals for 14 weeks. Returning students may opt for an alternative plan consisting of 5 weekly meals for 14 weeks. Meal plans must be paid for in advance, and unused meals at the end of each week are forfeited.  To pay by credit card or for more information on ways to pay, please see Payment Options.

Open Accounts

Returning students not on the meal plan can set up individual debit accounts directly with the Grotto management for single meals, snacks, and beverages. These open accounts must be paid for in advance, and payment can be made directly with the Grotto. If necessary, open accounts can be additionally funded through the semester. At the end of the semester, any remaining balance in open accounts will be refunded by the Grotto management or can be carried over into the following semester.