Campus Dining has developed a comprehensive approach to supporting students with food allergies and special dietary considerations. Our culinary team is readily available to work with students to ensure that their dietary needs are met.
Students with a medically documented food allergy should review the dining plan information, and housing and dining license carefully to make sure that their dietary needs can be met. Please contact the Campus Dining Wellness Office for further assistance at 805-756-1185 or email wellness@calpoly.edu.
Students requesting dining or meal plan accommodations for a medically diagnosed food allergy or condition, should first register with the Disability Resource Center.
Kitchens with Confidence Certification
Balance Café in Vista Grande has received allergen-free certification from Kitchens with Confidence for its efforts and commitment to providing food and facilities safe for customers with dietary restrictions. Kitchens with Confidence is an independent accreditation/certification entity founded to both help dining facilities of all kinds become safer for diners with food allergies and to imbue those facilities with credibility through trusted certification. Balance Cafe received the “Certified Free From” the BIG 8 Allergens recognition which covers peanuts, wheat, milk, soy, shellfish, fish, eggs, and tree nuts, plus gluten and sesame.
Allergen-Free Prepared Foods
Balance Cafe offers “Sustainedibility”, with a rotating menu of food options that are made free of the top nine most common allergens (wheat, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame), plus gluten. Food served at Balance Cafe is prepared in a completely self-contained, allergen-free kitchen, with dedicated cold storage, cook and serve ware, dishwasher and a specially trained team of chefs to ensure safety and avoid cross contact.
Allergen-Free Groceries
Students can find a variety of allergen-free grocery items at several restaurants and markets on campus. Village Market, an on-campus specialty grocery store in Poly Canyon Village, specializes in a wide offering of gluten, dairy, and soy-free products. Students can purchase foods with their First-Year Student Dining Plans and work with the helpful staff to find food options to meet their specific nutrition needs. Campus Market, the centrally located on-campus grocery store, offers a gluten free product section, gluten free frozen entrées, Cal Poly meats and dairy alternative products.
Gluten-Free Options
Many Campus Dining venues offer gluten-free* options making it simple to turn any meal into a gluten-free meal. We offer corn tortillas, gluten-free cereals, salad bars, grilled proteins, gluten-free grains, vegetables and fruits. Balance Cafe in Vista Grande serves delicious, healthy, and most importantly, entrées, sides and breakfast options that are free from the top eight allergens, including gluten. Our markets offer gluten-free cereals, breads, tortillas, granola bars, snacks, oatmeal, Grab and Go meals and other allergen-free products and groceries.
Go Kosher
We’ve got certified kosher dining options available at the markets. Campus Dining management and chefs worked closely with local Rabbi Chaim Hilel of Chabad of SLO, who provided guidance throughout the planning process to bring these delicious kosher food offerings to Cal Poly. The dishes include sandwiches, salads, wraps and side dishes, all offered daily for students on the go. These glatt kosher items are available at Market Grand Ave, Campus Market and Village Market.
See Menus
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
All of Campus Dining’s venues offer a variety of options for every lifestyle preference. Because most items are offered and served a la carte, you are able to customize your meal the way you want. Want an item sans cheese? Ask for it. Ordering through Grubhub? Check out each restaurant’s Vegan/Veggie category. All venues have a variety of beans, tofu, grains, vegetables, fruits, and condiments. To help identify the vegan and vegetarian options, look for their special identifiers on all Campus Dining menus.
See MenusImportant safety tips
Students with special dietary considerations and food allergies are encouraged to be self-advocates when managing their dietary conditions to promote safety and minimize the risk of a reaction.
- For medical emergencies, dial 911 immediately.
- Notify your primary care physician if a reaction has occurred. You may also contact Health Services at 805-756-1211 to make an appointment if the reaction is not an immediate emergency.
- Know how to recognize and respond to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Should a reaction occur, know when to instruct those around you to call 911 if medical attention is needed immediately.
We are here to help
Campus Dining is available to work directly with students with dietary restrictions. Campus Dining also offers educational programs and events to help students make informed decisions about health and wellness.
Looking for a one-on-one meeting to discuss nutrition and healthful eating? Contact the Health Enrichment Action Team (HEAT) at PULSE to set up a consultation.
Important Disclaimer
Campus Dining makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies. Along with employee training, Campus Dining labels items with known allergen-containing ingredients; however, there is always a risk of contamination. There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time, without notice. Customers concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk. Customers with food allergies or other food intolerances should consult a chef or dining manager for specific ingredient questions. Campus Dining will not assume any liability for adverse reactions to foods consumed, or items one may come in contact with while eating at any university establishment.
Modifications
Most food items can be modified to your liking (i.e. omit certain meats and cheeses). Please ask for assistance when placing your order
