Appalachian State University
Location: Boone, North Carolina
Description: Appalachian State can cater to many special diets and is able to accommodate any of the top 9 allergens. They do not use peanuts or tree nuts in either of the dining hall kitchens and have a top 9 allergen free and gluten free station in the Rivers Street Cafe Dining Hall.
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? While our dining halls are not dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens, our kitchens that prepare food are peanut and tree nut free. Our bake shop uses nuts in their kitchens and the baked goods that are served within the dining halls come from the bake shop.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? Yes, Rivers Street Cafe (Central Dining Hall) has a top 9 allergen free station that is also gluten-free.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? We are comfortable accommodating the top 9 allergens (peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, sesame) and gluten. We can accommodate additional allergies on a case-by-case basis. Prospective students can schedule a meeting with the Director of Nutrition to discuss other specific allergy needs.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is carried by on-campus emergency services.
Spokin app review: “I am very appreciative of how there is an allergy-friendly station at Central. It is so nice to know I will be able to have a meal every single day. In the past it was not like this, and I appreciate how App. has evolved to be more inclusive for students with dietary needs. Keep up the great work!”
@centamoretg, who manages milk and wheat allergies
Duke University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Description: Duke University has multiple dining halls. The It’s Thyme dining hall is top 9 and gluten-free. All dining locations have Ask Me® Representatives available to answer allergen-related questions and nearly all create their menus without peanuts and tree nuts. Duke’s Purple Kit Program allows students to have meals prepared separately with sanitized utensils.
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? Our dining hall venue, It’s Thyme is free of the top 9 allergens and gluten. Our first-year dining locations, Marketplace and Trinity Cafe, are free of peanuts and tree nuts. Nearly all dining locations on campus create their menu to be free from peanuts and tree nuts.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? Yes, we have a stand-alone dining location, It’s Thyme, that is free from the top 9 food allergens and gluten. Marketplace (our first-year dining hall) has a station with gluten-free products and designated preparation equipment.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? We can accommodate any allergens.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is available in multiple dining halls.
Spokin app review: “Highly recommend Duke Dining and Duke University for allergy safety and inclusion. The leadership, the education, the chefs, and all the staff work tirelessly to create a safe and amazing dining experience for the Duke students and community. Shout-out to the incredible Grayson Crabtree who along with her chefs like Chef Mark and all the others lead so many amazing programs. The Ask Me program at Duke identifies staff wearing purple hats who are knowledgeable about ingredients and food allergies. All ingredients are available and transparent to students online as well. There is also a Top 9 free eatery on campus in which everything is Top 9 free. The dining halls are mostly peanut/nut-free and can accommodate many allergens. Staff is so accessible and willing to accommodate. Duke is also one of the special schools that has received recognition from FARE and from Spokin. Recently Epi-pens have been stocked in some of the dining halls, which helps to protect people in emergency situations. Also, a nutritionist is also available as a resource to students. We love Duke Dining! Thank you and Go Duke!”
@alylippy, who manages a tree nut allergy
Fairfield University
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Description: Fairfield University’s dining hall offers inclusive dining. The dining hall does not serve or cook with peanuts and tree nuts. Through their dining program and allergen friendly stations, they are able to accommodate most allergies. Their allergen-free station is free of the top 9 except fish. The on-campus dietitian is available to help with any special accommodations!
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? Our dining halls do not serve or cook with peanuts and tree nuts (excluding coconut). Please note: some of our bakery ingredients may carry a warning for cross-contact with peanuts and tree nuts.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? There is a station free of: Peanut, Tree nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten and Sesame. For those with a fish allergy we offer separate accommodations so they can still dine safely.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? Yes, we can accommodate any allergen. We work one-on-one with students to determine how we can best meet their allergen needs. This can range from eating from our allergy friendly stations or working with our allergen chef to prepare individualized meals.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is available in the dining locations, as well as carried by all public safety officers.
Spokin app review: “Fairfield University has been amazing in providing support and services for me to manage my celiac safely. The True Balance Station in The Tully Dining Hall is free of the top 9 allergens and everything is cooked separately from the main food served. They use all different utensils to ensure 100% safety for all students with allergies. The food at True Balance is very good, and I leave the dining hall feeling satisfied with each meal. There are two options for each meal, but the staff is always happy to make chicken nuggets and fries for any gluten-free student that does not like the meals that are being served. Additionally, since I am celiac, I have access to the Peace of Mind gluten-free pantry. It is a locked pantry and only students with celiac and gluten allergies/intolerance are given access with their student ID card to a dedicated gluten-free toaster, microwave, and pizza oven. There is also access to frozen meals that you can make yourself if you don’t like anything that is offered for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at True Balance. They also have gluten-free snacks and desserts available in the pantry. There is also an açaí café in the library that is all gluten-free, even with gluten-free granola! It is a nice treat and light lunch to have on the go. Additionally, there is a Peet’s Coffee at the same location as the açaí café in the library that I get my daily coffee at, that also does not use any gluten-containing ingredients.”
@meganclipka, who manages celiac
George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Description: George Mason University has 4 dining halls – 2 of which have Delicious Without stations that feature menu offerings made without the Top 9 allergens and gluten. You can find ingredient and allergen information posted on signage in the dining halls or available in their app. The Difference Baker, a local allergen-friendly bakery, is on campus as a retail location.
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? Our dining halls are not dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? While we do not guarantee menu items free from any specific allergen, Ike’s and Southside dining halls both offer Delicious Without stations. Delicious Without features meals made without gluten or the Top 9 allergens. All foods at this station are prepared and stored using dedicated equipment in a designated area of the dining facility. To prevent cross-contact, associates serve all meals on a clean plate and follow strict handling protocols.
The Delicious Without program offers careful menu planning, meticulous ingredient vetting, and regular auditing. The station is also required to conduct routine AllerSnap surface testing to verify the effectiveness of cleaning procedures and ensure cross-contact prevention standards are consistently met.
All food preparation takes place within the dedicated Delicious Without area. From sauté pans to serving utensils, kitchenware is reserved exclusively for this station. Pre-service prep is completed using separate equipment and stored by the Delicious Without staff. Team members receive regular training on food allergy safety and station-specific protocols to maintain the highest standards of care.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? Ike’s and Southside dining locations both feature our Delicious Without stations and Avoiding Gluten Zone. While we prioritize offerings made without the top nine allergens and gluten, we are also able to accommodate additional allergen needs on a case-by-case basis. The Globe and The Spot also offer selections for guests avoiding gluten. In all of our residential dining facilities, we maintain a strict policy against the use and purchase of peanuts, tree nuts, and any ingredients that may contain them.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is available at the health center.
Spokin app review: “I’ve enjoyed that all the dining halls have the ingredients on the menus and menu app so I can see if there’s something I need to avoid that day. I’ve also appreciated having an allergy friendly grab-and-go space that makes it easy for me to also have protein that day”
@bellafasone, who manages celiac and tree nut, vegetable, and fruit allergies
George Washington University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Description: George Washington University has 3 dining halls on campus, all are dedicated free of peanuts and tree nuts. They have a top 9 allergen and gluten-free station in all of their dining halls called Pure Eats and many of their on-campus dining options offer allergy-friendly options.
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? All three of our dining halls are free of peanut and tree nuts. GW Dining cooking facilities do not produce or use nuts in dining halls or retail kitchens.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? Yes, each dining hall features a top 9 allergen-free and gluten-free station called Pure Eats. At Thurston dining hall, there is an Avoiding Gluten Station that serves a hot meal and gluten-free pizza, cereal, bread, and waffles. This station may feature rotating, student-choice menu options. At Shenkman Market Dining Hall, the Teaching Kitchen offers a gluten-free menu including hot meals, cereal, bread, and waffles. In an effort to reduce the risk of cross-contact, each dining hall has a dedicated gluten-free waffle station, complete with gluten-free batter and a dedicated waffle maker.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? We can accommodate any allergens.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is available at the health center.
Spokin app review: “In Shenkman Hall, the açaí bowls here are so tasty, and they also have the most meal bundles you can find on campus, from salads, pastries, açaí bowls, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and more. I like that I don’t have to worry about cross-contamination in my smoothies unlike other fast food chains, they are very careful.”
@spope29, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
Marquette University
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Description: Marquette University has 5 Dining Halls on campus. There are two top 9 allergen free stations as well as a gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut and tree nut free station. Their dietitian works with students on an individual basis to come up with a plan to accommodate dietary needs. They also work with a local partner to offer more allergy-free bakery items for students with restrictions!
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? No, we are not dedicated free of any allergens.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? Commons Dining Hall and Cobeen Hall have a top 9 allergen free and gluten-free station called Simple Servings. There is also a station free of peanut, tree nut, milk, wheat and gluten called Simple Zone.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? We can accommodate any allergens.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes, stock epinephrine is carried by on-campus emergency services.
Spokin app review: “Marquette University has been great at helping students like myself with their dinning needs. It is great to see all the ways that they can help me eat safely both on and off of campus. With Simple Servings as well as the dietitian, I feel that I have many great sources that I can go to for any concerns.”
@tylerarnette, who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
Villanova University
Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Description: Villanova University has 3 dining halls that are all peanut and tree-nut-free! They are able to accommodate any allergies and have dedicated spaces for gluten-free meal prep. Their full-time registered dietitian is available for consultations and to connect students with one-one communication with the kitchen staff while they’re on campus.
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? All of our residential dining halls are designed to be free from peanuts and tree nuts. Additionally, our entire campus dining operation is peanut and tree-nut-free. We have proactively removed these allergens from operations run by Villanova Dining Services on campus to create a safer and more inclusive environment for our community.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? No, we do not have dedicated top 9 allergen-free stations.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? Yes, we can accommodate any allergen. Beyond our campus-wide peanut- and tree-nut-free environment, we accommodate all other dietary requirements through direct collaboration with our Chef Managers and via our dedicated ordering platform.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? Yes. All on-campus emergency medical and Public Safety personnel are equipped with stock epinephrine to ensure they are prepared to handle severe allergic reactions.
Spokin app review: “As a student at Villanova without access to my own kitchen, navigating food options with celiac disease can be quite challenging. While the dining halls do make an effort to support students with dietary restrictions, there’s definitely room for improvement when it comes to providing safe, inclusive meals for those with gluten allergies. The allergen refrigerator has been incredibly helpful, and I truly appreciate its presence—but I’d love to see more hot meal options that are clearly labeled and safe for gluten-free students. When it comes to on-campus dining, I feel the most confident eating at the Connelly Center and Donahue Court. The Conn offers consistent daily options, which gives me peace of mind knowing I’ll have something safe to eat. Donahue Court—affectionately known as Spit—offers the most flexibility with its rotating stations, including burrito bowls, sandwiches, and grill items. I’ve found it to be the most accommodating spot on campus. Off campus, there are several amazing gluten-free-friendly restaurants in the area. Some of my go-to favorites include Lovebird, Goodness Bowls, Rosa Mexicano, Not Your Average Joe’s, and DePaul’s Table. Lovebird especially stands out, as it’s a dedicated gluten-free restaurant with a wide variety of dishes that are hard to come by for those with celiac. All of these places offer extensive gluten-free menus and take care to prepare meals in safe, allergy-conscious environments.”
@ameliatawadros, who manages celiac
William & Mary
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Description: William & Mary has multiple dining halls on campus. Commons Dining Hall and Food Hall at Sadler don’t use peanut and tree nuts in their kitchens, both offer a True Balance station where no top 9 or gluten are used. Their Golden Apron program team members are on hand to provide immediate exceptional service in the dining halls!
Are any of your dining halls dedicated free of any of the top 9 allergens? Yes, Commons Dining Hall and Food Hall at Sadler do not use peanuts or tree nuts in their kitchens.
Do you offer stations free of any allergens? Yes, Commons Dining Hall and Food Hall at Sadler have a station with no top 9 allergens or gluten.
Are there any allergens you are comfortable accommodating that you are not dedicated free of? We can accommodate any allergens.
Is stock epinephrine available on campus? No, stock epinephrine is not available on campus. Students must carry their own.
Spokin app review: “I am a current W&M Junior and I absolutely love the dining hall’s safe options! They have a concierge service for rare/specific allergens that need to be accommodated, where a student can text the hotline and be served food prepped separately based on their individual needs! For gluten-free folks, there also are options off campus that are safe, such as grilled items at Chick-fil-A, and other local restaurants like Aromas! Overall, W&M is a very accommodating environment and I couldn’t recommend it more as someone with life-threatening allergies!”
@caroline27, who manages peanut, tree nut, wheat, and legume allergies
