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Special Dietary Needs

The goal of our nutrition and wellness program is to embrace inclusive dining, where special dietary needs never compromise a student’s sense of belonging. We recognize there are a number of students, faculty and staff on campus who have special dietary needs, such as allergies, intolerances and dietary preferences. Our team is dedicated to meeting your nutritional needs by providing nutrition resources, education, and awareness across campus.

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with our allergen icons shown below.

Step 2: View the Food Allergy Guide and learn about available resources, including:

  • Daily online menus with full ingredient lists and our nutrition analysis feature.
  • Allergen icons listed on our digital menu boards and menu cards.
  • Retail locations that provide gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives.

Step 3: Interact with our Well-Fed Wolfpack nutrition team:

  • Schedule a free consultation with our dietitian by calling 919.513.5310 or contacting wellfedwolfpack@ncsu.edu.
  • Sign up for Safe Eats, NC State’s food allergy group. Follow @NCStateDining on Instagram for nutrition updates, health and wellness tips, recipes, prizes, and more.

Dietary Restrictions

NC State Dining is recognized nationally for our work to ensure students with food allergies and intolerances can confidently dine on campus. We mark the nine major food allergens (dairy, gluten, eggs, fish/shellfish, tree nuts/peanuts, soy and sesame) in all of our dining locations. We also label items containing pork or pork derivatives.

 

 

For guests who need to avoid gluten or dairy, we have a special worry-free station at each dining hall. It has a separate fridge stocked with dairy-free food and gluten-free items, plus a separate toaster to prevent cross-contact.

We are also proud to offer the Simply Made Station at Fountain and University Towers dining halls. The station offers a complete meal made without the top nine allergens.

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, be sure to:

  • Review the resources we provide you and do your best to avoid your food allergen. Always feel welcome to contact our dietitian at wellfedwolfpack@ncsu.edu with any questions or concerns.
  • When in doubt, avoid any ingredient or dish if you are unsure it is safe or ask the manager on duty for more information.
  • Read the food labels that are available to you. Our online menus and the On Campus App display the entire ingredient list for every menu item that is served.
  • Be able to recognize the symptoms of your allergic reaction and know the proper use of medications for your reaction. If you have an EpiPen, carry it with you at all times and be prepared to use it. Our staff is not trained to administer an EpiPen.
  • Review our Food Allergy Guide and Allergy Disclaimer below.

Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal Dining

We offer a wide array of tasty vegetarian and vegan options at every meal in the dining halls and at many of the campus restaurants. Look for the icons next to menu listings online and in our locations. We offer a growing number of halal items and plan to add more.

 

  • Contact our nutrition staff, to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.
  • Ask a dining manager for assistance if you are unable to locate vegan or vegetarian menu items. We are here to help!

Options at the Dining Halls

We offer daily vegan and vegetarian options at the dining halls, including plant-based entrees, customizable stations, and vegan desserts. Here are some suggestions if there is no menu item to your liking:

  • Mix and match plant-based options from around the dining hall to create a healthy and balanced meal.
  • Try our freshly-ground peanut butter with a banana or apple for a healthy snack.
  • We also offer a vegetarian burger and homestyle entree at every meal.

We are always looking for feedback for our vegan and vegetarian menu items. Send us your thoughts and suggestions at wellfedwolfpack@ncsu.edu.

Allergy and Nutrition Disclaimer

Disclaimer: NC State Dining makes effort to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those individuals with food allergies. Items marked gluten friendly are made with no gluten-containing ingredients. Effort is made to thoroughly train our food production staff on the severity of food allergies. Because of the number of meals served and the number of items used each day, along with food product changes from our food vendors, it cannot be guaranteed that every allergen in the food served will be identified and labeled. The possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time, without notice also exists. Customers concerned with food allergies must be aware of this risk. NC State Dining cannot assume any liability for adverse reactions to food consumed, or items one may come in contact with while eating at any NC State Dining facility or catered event. Students/Campers with life-threatening food allergies who may need to use an EpiPen should be carrying their own. NC State Dining staff is NOT trained to administer EpiPens and CANNOT provide or administer them.

Meal Plan Exemptions

NC State Dining makes every effort to support students with special dietary needs. If your circumstances require you seek an exemption to a Meal Plan requirement, please visit our Meal Plan Accommodations page for details.