University of Rhode Island (URI)
VerifiedThe Fusion Mediterranean and Asian Stir-Fry Station at Mainfare in Hope Commons has a digital kiosk which when selected will display both nutrient analysis and ingredient information for available food options.
Ingredient information is available upon request at URI's two Resident Dining Halls (Butterfield and Mainfare). Students may select from the following Made-to-Order stations: Deli, burrito, quesadilla, omelet, and Fusion grain bowl.
Students should inform the staff at every dining hall station of their food allergy or intolerance. Food service staff are trained to take cross-contact precautions, such as washing hands, putting on clean food-handler gloves, and use fresh product from containers that have not been used for the general population. Students may request that a special meal from the main kitchen be made for them separately.
Ingredient information can be requested and will be provided for the following self-serve stations: Homestyle, Pizza, Pasta, Salad Bar, Dessert/Fruit, Waffle, Soup, Beverage, Astros Burger Bar, and Condiment.
URI Dining Services takes great effort to specify that food items contain as few of the top 8 major allergens as possible on our yearly food bids. For example, our bread bid specifies that bread items may not contain added soy, milk, nuts, or eggs unless designated.
All Food Service and Dining Hall Staff participate in yearly Food Allergy and Intolerance training. Students should inform the staff at every station in the dining halls of their food allergy or intolerance. Food service staff are trained to take cross-contact precautions, such as washing hands, putting on clean food-handler gloves, and use fresh product from containers that have not been used for the general population. Students may request that a special meal from the main kitchen be made for them separately.
Our self-serve areas are limited to the Homestyle, burger, pizza, soup, salad bar, fruit/yogurt, dessert. Any food containing one or more of the top 8 allergens are located separately and/or at the end of the station. For example, croutons are the last item on the salad bar to avoid possible cross-contact with other food selections as a guest moves down the line of salad bar options.
Peanut butter and Nutella are located in a separate location with signage indicating precautions to take to avoid cross-contact. Baked goods/desserts are nut/tree nut free. Any menu item that may contain tree nuts or sesame seeds is labeled at the point of service. Separate utensils are available for each food item.
Students with allergies are encouraged to meet with the Dining Services Dietitian at the beginning of the academic year or at any time desired. They will be invited to tour the dining halls, be introduced to the managers and principal cooks, and make their food preferences known. Students and dining hall staff get to know one another and in this manner, a student can feel comfortable requesting special order meals. On any day or meal, students may also email, text or phone a dining hall manager to request a special meal be prepared for them at a certain time.
Students have access to a "Gluten-Free Pantry" area in both residential dining halls. The pantry area has evolved into not only a place where students can access gluten-free products, but also find food offerings that do not contain any of the top 8 allergens. Each pantry area has a dedicated toaster, refrigerator/freezer, and microwave available for student use.
Food allergy101
Anaphylaxis
Celiac Disease
Food Intolerance versus Sensitivity
URI's Allergen/Gluten-free Policy
Cross-contact and precautions
Responsibilities of the student, university, employee/dining staff, principal cooks, and managers
Mobil app
Self-serve area precautions
Emergency procedures-what to do in the event of a reaction
Epi Pen education
Yearly food allergy training of student employees is also conducted.
Our programs are part of a residential curriculum and rarely focus on food, so students should be able to attend any program they wish.
We do not ask food allergy questions on our housing application, so we would need students to self-disclose their allergies to Housing for us to be able to match them with other students with food allergies. However, we work closely with Disability Services for Students, who will contact us if an accommodation needs to be met. We accept room change requests for many reasons; someone with a life-safety reason would be made a priority.
Disability Services for Students works with students and all units of URI to create inclusive and sustainable learning and working environments. We facilitate access, discourse, and involvement through innovative services, programs, leadership, and collaboration.
We recommend consulting with Dining Services, Housing and Residential Life, and Health Services. Additionally, we strongly encourage students to register for the URI Public Safety Needs List. The information that you provide may help responders meet your needs during an emergency.
Please visit the DSS Website, complete an Online Intake Form, and submit.
Disability Services for Students works with students and all units of URI to create inclusive and sustainable learning and working environments. We facilitate access, discourse, and involvement through innovative services, programs, leadership, and collaboration.