Nutrition and Special Diet Information

All Dining Services locations are staffed with registered and licensed dietitians who are available to assist residents following a diet modified for medical or religious purposes. The dietitian in your facility will be happy to help you locate the appropriate foods within the dining center to keep you healthy and safe.

For dietary requests based on lifestyle or religion (vegan, halal, etc.), please contact the registered dietititan for your dining center.

Food Allergy Procedure

Step One:

After a student contacts Dining Services, they will be directed to the unit Dietitian to set up an initial meeting.

While setting up an initial meeting, we ask that students fill out paperwork through the Student Access Center. The SAC will require medical documentation from a physician. SAC staff work with Dining Services to make sure accommodations can be met and establish a network of support for the student while at K-State.

Step Two:

At the initial meeting, the Dietitian will provide:

• Overview of dining operations, including methods and ingredients used in meal preparation.
• Tour of dining center to identify areas of concern, including allergy-friendly area and foods, highlighting menu options and ways to navigate the dining center specifically for your dietary needs.
• Agree on a plan of action for the student based on their dietary needs.
• Meet management staff and lead cooks if available.

The Dietitian may take notes on the Food Allergy Student Document form.

Within 48 hours of the meeting, the Dietitian will send an email outlining what was discussed and the plan that was decided on.

Upon request from the student, Dietitians will provide:

• Suggestions for a change in the student's plan.
• Information regarding recipes and preparation.
• Any other questions or concerns the student may have.

After 2 weeks, the Dietitian will periodically follow up to ensure dietary needs are being met. Students may also reach out at any time to address concerns.

Allergy-Friendly Station

Our Allergy-Friendly station is for individuals with dietary needs who have met with a dietitian. We keep allergy-friendly items in there, including gluten-free bread, bagels, muffins, and cookies. These items are only for dining in and NOT for takeout as a snack.

Student Responsibilities - Be your own advocate!

1. Be prepared and have a plan.
   1. Review the menu prior to your arrival. Menus are posted on our Dining website.
2. Know your Allergen(s)
   1. Choose items you know are safe for you. We recommend students with any allergies to avoid fried products, Wok food items, and Bakery items due to cross-contact. We also recommend that you be cautious around self-service areas. We recommend that those with severe allergies and cross-contact concerns utilize our ordering app to ensure safety.
   2. Inform your server that you have an allergy- the server can wash their hands and change gloves or utensils.
3. Let us help you!
   1. Keep an open line of communication with dietitians and managers.
   2. We are always happy to look up a recipe. It’s important to us that you receive a safe, balanced meal every meal.
   3. We can better address your needs if communication continues past the initial meeting. Reach out to the dietitian if you have concerns.
4. Inform your Roommates and Hall Staff
   1. Help them understand your food allergy.
   2. Let them know how they can assist you.

Remember…you always have the final say in your menu selections.

Maintaining Confidentiality

Notes from all meetings with a Unit Dietitian and a student are kept secure in our files, and only dietitians have access to them. Dining center managers and staff will have only the information needed to safely provide meals for the student. Documentation will also help Dietitians across all buildings be better equipped to assist students, who often dine in multiple dining centers.

In case of a reaction

If a student experiences a reaction while in a dining center, the Kansas State Housing and Dining Services procedure is to call 911 and request medical attention. After the student's well-being is ensured, the dietitian will follow up with the student to review what may have caused the reaction.

It is important to notify the dietitian if a reaction occurs after you leave the dining center. This will ensure proper follow-up to prevent the reaction from recurring.

If the student experiences a life-threatening reaction, permission will be requested to share with your Residence Life staff. This is so they are informed of what to do in case an allergic reaction were to occur after returning to the residence halls.

Please Be Aware