Health + Wellness Advocates: Melanie Bermenez + India Harris
Melanie Bermenez and India Harris recently completed the AllerTrain certification. Through their dedication, Melanie and India exemplify the core values of NC State Dining: ensuring every student feels cared for, safe, and supported. Their efforts remind us all of the vital role foodservice professionals play in our community’s health and well-being.
Applying Knowledge to Enhance Student Dining Experiences
Melanie vividly recalled a defining moment early in her career. She noticed a server moving from the pasta station to the Simply Made station. Recognizing the potential risk, she immediately stepped in and asked the employee to wash their hands and change gloves. A student, who happened to be celiac stopped her and thanked her for ensuring their safety. India, who frequently runs the Simply Made station, credits the training with equipping her to manage allergen-friendly offerings with confidence.
The Value of AllerTrain Certification
For Melanie and India, the AllerTrain certification offered invaluable insights into the seriousness of food allergies and the importance of preventing cross-contamination.
“The training emphasized the severity of allergic reactions, and that understanding has made us more vigilant and aware,” Melanie shared. As a chef, she’s become more confident in identifying safe substitutions in recipes, ensuring meals remain both delicious and allergen-free.
India praised the training’s impactful style, noting, “The personal stories shared during the class made the key lessons stick. Hearing real-life experiences helped us truly understand the stakes.”
Are you an NC State Dining employee and want to get certified? Reach out to Lauren Smith at lasmit24@ncsu.edu.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Allergen Training and Awareness
Both Melanie and India hope to see NC State Dining continue prioritizing allergen training and student wellness. Melanie suggests adding a Spanish-speaking instructor to AllerTrain sessions to make the training more inclusive for team members.
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