Brandeis Dining recognizes the increasing number of students arriving on campus each year with food allergies, intolerances, celiac disease, and/or other dietary needs. While our operation is not allergen-free, we do undertake precautions to decrease the risk of cross-contact with other foods. We want to ensure these students have safe and appetizing options in an inclusive environment by providing solutions with our Simple Servings station and My Zone pantry in each dining hall. Our managers and over eighty staff members have also been AllerTrain certified with knowledge on common food allergies and proper methods for safely handling food to prevent cross contact.

A team approach led by you is the best preparation for a safe school year. Please reach out to notify us of your allergies and keep us updated through-out your time at Brandeis. If we do not hear from you, we believe that you are successfully navigating the dining locations. We are happy to meet with you to answer any questions or schedule a guided tour of the dining halls.

While Brandeis Dining strives to meet the medical/disability dietary needs of all students, those who need more than currently available, customary operations can engage in the university process to request a medical/disability meal plan accommodation by contact the office of Student Accessibility Support. 

Simple Servings is our allergen-safe, dining option for our customers with food allergies or gluten intolerance. Stations in Sherman and Lower Usdan both offer food free from peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, milk products, eggs, and gluten-containing ingredients. Simple Servings staff members are carefully trained to avoid cross-contact with food allergens.

My Zone is our campus “pantry” where food items needed by students with Celiac disease or nut allergies are stored and prepared with precautions against cross-contact. The areas in Sherman and Lower Usdan are free of tree nut, peanut and gluten-containing ingredients and products. Staples in this space include dedicated microwaves and toasters, separate condiments, and gluten free breads, cereals, and desserts.

The Bite App is a valuable tool for viewing daily menus and assessing important nutritional information. Use the app to open a day's recipe to view ingredients and nutrients or customize the menu to your dietary preferences by filtering out specific allergens.

Karen Jew, RD, LD is as a resource on topics such as: Food allergies, celiac disease, or other special dietary needs Vegan and vegetarian nutrition Dining kosher with a food allergy Recommendations for healthy eating She has a passion for empowering people of all ages to reach their healthiest potential through food and nutrition. She works with the Brandeis community to encourage healthy lifestyles and help individuals become more comfortable in their dining environment. Come meet Karen at one of her regular special events in the Dining Halls, or contact her at: karen.jew@sodexo.com

Providing you with healthy options is something your dining team proudly does every day. We help you select delicious, nutritious and satisfying meals, snacks and desserts by highlighting well-balanced menu choices and providing nutritional information and tips to help you make choices that fit your needs.

Locate a healthier choice! All Mindful offerings meet nutritional criteria supported by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Mindful philosophy promotes healthy and nutritional recipes without having to sacrifice portion or flavor. Locate a Mindful item on the menu by looking for the green apple icon.