Dietary Needs and Support
Learn about the different services offered to assist you with any dietary needs.
Culinary Services & Practices
University of Arizona Culinary Services is committed to supporting students with dietary restrictions through comprehensive training, detailed ingredient transparency, and established food safety practices.
Training
Culinary staff are regularly trained on the severity of food allergies, including identifying common allergens, preventing cross-contact, and properly storing and preparing food. Training also includes how to respond to questions regarding food allergies and the university’s process for requesting accommodations related to food allergies or celiac disease.
Recipe & Ingredient Data Base
Culinary Services maintains an extensive and frequently updated recipe and ingredient database that includes full ingredient listings and identifies the top eight allergens. This information is available through the Nutrition Calculator App, which is mobile-friendly and also highlights vegan and vegetarian menu items.
Food Preparation and Production
When a student notifies a manager of dietary restrictions, meals are prepared using designated allergen kits that include separate utensils, skillets, or foil on cooking surfaces to help prevent cross-contact. Because food is prepared in a production environment, there is always a potential risk of cross-contact, and students with food allergies are encouraged to remain aware of this risk. To reinforce these practices, the Culinary Services nutrition team conducts random audits to ensure proper food handling procedures are followed.
Front of House Signage
In addition, signage is posted at points of sale and ordering locations to inform customers about the top allergens present in each restaurant. These signs also encourage students to communicate their dietary restrictions to a manager prior to ordering.
Student Unions Nutrition Assistance
Nutrition assistance is available to University of Arizona students in need of guidance on general nutrition, healthy eating, food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Students can access the services of a registered dietitian by calling or emailing to set an appointment.
Email: SU-Nutrition@email.arizona.edu
Nutrition Office: Student Union Memorial Center
Dining Options for Special Diets
University of Arizona Culinary Services offers a variety of options across campus to accommodate common dietary needs. These include:
Gluten Free
SUMCOn Deck Deli
| Park/Global Dist.Core Plus
|
Highland Dist.Highland Grocery | North Dist.'85 North |
Dairy-Free
SUMC Cactus Grill | Park/Global Dist.Core Plus |
North Dist.'85 North | Convenience StoresRed & Blue Line |
Peanut & Treenut Free
Park/Global Dist.Core Plus | Convenience StoresRed & Blue Line |
For severe nut allergies, always speak directly with the location manager and consult the Registered Dietitian.
Kosher
Details Coming Soon!
Emergency Response Plan
Students with food allergies that require the use of epinephrine are asked to carry their epinephrine with them in case of an anaphylactic response. In the event of a severe allergic response, students are encouraged to administer their own epinephrine promptly. Culinary Services staff are not permitted to administer medication; however, managers are trained to call 911 whenever an individual is observed experiencing medical distress.
Campus Support Resources
The University of Arizona provides a network of support services to assist students managing food allergies, celiac disease, and other dietary concerns.
Culinary Services Nutrition
The University of Arizona provides a network of support services to assist students managing food allergies, celiac disease, and other dietary concerns.
Campus Health Services
One-on-one nutrition counseling, food allergy & celiac support, plus mental health resources for students impacted by dietary restrictions.
Disability Resource Center
For students who need formal food-related accommodations, the DRC can assist with the accommodation request process.
Dean of Students
Student Assistance team helps manage health crises, hospitalization notifications to professors, and connection to appropriate resources.
Housing & Residential Life
All RAs are trained to respond to medical distress. Staff also help coordinate roommate agreements for shared allergen concerns.
Counseling & Psych Services
Professionals available for the emotional impact of managing food allergies during college, because it's harder than it sounds
Nutrition Calculator
The Nutrition Calculator is a valuable tool designed to help students make informed and confident dining choices on campus. It provides detailed nutrition information for menu items, including calories, ingredients, and top allergen identifiers, allowing students to easily evaluate options that align with their dietary needs and wellness goals. The Nutrition Calculator offers transparency and accessibility to support a safe and personalized dining experience.