Working closely with MSU’s Culinary Services, the RCPD is proud to support and encourage individuals with food allergies, as well as other dietary challenges, to eat on campus. Each of MSU’s dining halls can accommodate these needs and do so on a daily basis, with menus posted at every point of service featuring a “contains” line listing potential allergens/restrictions. These facilities also include designated allergen-conscious areas with both gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives as well as individually wrapped condiments.
The safety of students, staff, and visitors dining on campus is top priority, which is why Holmes Hall, Holden Hall, and the MSU Bakers are all nut-conscious, meaning they do not include peanuts or tree nuts. During the summer of 2019 a revolutionary dining hall was launched which would lead the nation in allergen-aware dining, making MSU’s campus even more welcoming to those with dietary challenges. Created through the joint efforts of Culinary Services, RCPD, and other valued campus partners, this unique dining hall, called Thrive, is certified free from the Big 8 allergens (egg, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat) plus gluten. Thrive is also sesame-conscious and receives continual testing to ensure that the menu remains free of the Big 8.
With so many exciting developments fueling safe dining options on campus, interest grew in finding out what it looked like to actually be someone utilizing these resources on a daily basis. The RCPD was pleased to help with the coordination of a “social media takeover” in partnership with the great team over at Eat At State, which saw RCPD student Marissa B. leading Eat At State’s Story on Instagram. Throughout the day, Marissa shared her experiences dining safely on campus with severe peanut and tree nut allergies. Her message debuted on January 23, 2020, and the stories are preserved on Instagram, just go to @eatatstate and look for the featured highlight at the top of their profile called “Takeover.” You can also hear Marissa describe her experiences firsthand in the video below.
For more information or to see the dining hall menus, visit eatatstate.msu.edu! And make sure you check out the new iOS App called Munch. Designed at the RCPD in partnership with RHS and IPF to make dining at MSU simple, Munch can help you find food you want to eat, make informed decisions about what you eat, and connect with new friends along the way! Read more about the Munch app here!