Minnesota State University Mankato
Verified1. We provide access to ingredient information for made-to-order* items. *Made-to-order - Meals that are prepared on request and to your specification in the dining hall. Examples include a sandwich station, omelet station, burrito station, etc.
Students may ask a manager, student supervisors, chef, or RD for full ingredient lists at any time. Students can also visit the Dining Services website and run a "selected items report" to see a full list of allergens. Just check mark the menu items you wish to view and click "view selected items report". This is a simple and easy way for students to plan before entering the dining hall. Check it out here: https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/Images/Resident%20Dining%20Menu%202.6.2017…
2. We provide access to ingredient information for self-serve* items. *Self-serve - Meals that are served buffet-style in a dining hall. These are typically high risk for cross-contact and are best avoided by diners with food allergies.
Students may ask a manager, student supervisors, chef, or RD for full ingredient lists at any time. Students can also visit the Dining Services website and run a "selected items report" to see a full list of allergens. Just check mark the menu items you wish to view and click "view selected items report". This is a simple and easy way for students to plan ahead before entering the dining hall. Check it out here: https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/Images/Resident%20Dining%20Menu%202.6.2017…
Please see attached link to find out more about MNSU's allergy procedures. https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/health/allergy.html OR https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/health/dietitian.html
3. We have procedures in place to lower the risk of cross-contact in made-to-order areas.
All dining service staff who work at short-order stations are trained upon hiring and monitored for compliance with cross-contact procedures. Procedure signs are also posted at specific stations as a reference for employees. All new and current employees are encouraged to ask mangers, chefs, or the RD if they have any questions on proper procedures.
4. We have procedures in place to lower the risk of cross-contact in self-serve areas.
Please see attached link to find out more about MNSU's allergy procedures. https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/health/allergy.html
5. We have pre-order meals* available. *Pre-order meals - Custom meals that can be ordered in advance by a diner so they are ready for pick up at a specific time. Typically these can be ordered online or by phone/text.
The Simple Servings station offers foods made without the FDA most-common allergens of tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, milk products, and eggs. All foods offered will be made without gluten-containing ingredients. Fish dishes will be included in the varied menu options as healthy protein choices. Most students are able to eat safely at Simple Servings. Pre-ordered meals are used for students with extreme allergies (outside of top eight) and should contact Lexi Cournoyer campus RD. https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/health/dietitian.html
6. We have an allergy-friendly station*. *Allergy-friendly station - A food station where specific ingredients are banned, typically including many or all items in the Top 8 allergens and gluten.
The Simple Servings station offers foods made without the FDA most-common allergens of tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, milk products, and eggs. All foods offered will be made without gluten-containing ingredients. Fish dishes will be included in the varied menu options as healthy protein choices. At MNSU the SS station has its own equipment (oven, grill, stove, etc.), smallwares, coolers, and service area. Smallwares, cutting boards, serving utensils etc., are all colored purple to ensure those items are only used at the SS station. Simple Servings provides convenient, delicious, and secure options for students to focus on their future not their allergies. Check it out: https://mnsu.sodexomyway.com/health/allergy.html
7. We train dining services staff members.
Food allergy 101, anaphylaxis, avoiding cross-contact, and proper procedures for short order stations.
All managers, chefs, and RD are AllertrainU certified.
8. We have a registered dietitian* on staff. *Registered dietitian - Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts who are often tasked with helping students with food allergies navigate the dining halls.
9. We train our RA's.
10. We have inclusive resident life programs* including food. *Inclusive resident life programs - Programs in the resident halls often include food. Inclusive resident life programs will offer students with food allergies the opportunity to request safe food alternatives for events they attend in the dorms.
A variety of food options are provided at Residential Life events throughout the year including food prepared by University Dining staff. Students can contact dining services for more information.
11. We offer accommodations for roommate assignments. *Every accommodation request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A housing accommodation cannot be guaranteed prior to an individual evaluation.
Information related to requesting a housing accommodation including the role of Accessibility Resources can be found in the housing application materials. Residential Life has a strong partnership with staff in Accessibility Resources to support students with housing accommodation needs.
12. Our disability office processes food allergy and celiac disease accommodation requests.
Students with food allergies and celiac disease are welcome to visit with the Dining Services staff and staff registered dietitian to discuss their specific dietary needs. If the current dining program does not meet the needs of the student the Accessibility Resources office is the first point of contact to establish an accommodation plan related to food allergies.
Students can access the accommodation request form on the Accessibility Resource page under housing accommodations or contact Accessibility Resources at 507-389-2825. The completed form should be returned via fax (507.389.1199) or mail to Accessibility Resources (Memorial Library 132). Website: http://www.mnsu.edu/access/current/accommodations/housing.html
See what health services we offer >
13. We have stock, undesignated epinephrine* available for emergency response. *Stock, undesignated epinephrine - Epinephrine that is prescribed to a college or university rather than to a particular student. This epinephrine is kept on hand to use for any student that experiences anaphylaxis.
14. Our campus emergency responders carry epinephrine.
See what our emergency response policy allows for >
Dining service staff is trained on the proper recognition and procedure if a student has an allergic reaction in the dining hall.