Initiatives

Menu Labeling

Our dining halls use a variety of icons and callouts to label items that fit certain diet and wellness criteria. If you’re following a specific diet like vegetarianism, or are trying to add better sources of protein to your diet, be on the lookout for these symbols. Items that fit into one of these categories are marked on menu cards in the dining halls and the menu screens at Pioneer and Middlebrook Dining Hall, but this information can also be found on the menus on our Dine On Campus app and website.

black and underlined uppercase 'PR' to denote an item that is a good source of protein
black and underlined uppercase 'VG' to denote an item that is vegan
black and underlined uppercase 'V' to denote an item that is vegetarian

Good Source of Protein

Vegan

Vegetarian

Halal and Pork Ingredients

There is a Halal Station at Pioneer Dining Hall that is open for the breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal periods. In addition to this station at Pioneer, all dining halls will utilize 'Halal' and 'Contains Pork' callouts on their menu cards for guests to quickly verify if a product contains pork or is prepared Halal. Guests can also view the menu and meal ingredients in advance on our Dine on Campus app.

Commitment to Vegan and Vegetarian Foods

By contract, we are dedicated to providing a large percentage of vegan and vegetarian options in our dining halls. We offer a wide variety of plant-based options in both residential and retail dining. Click here for a list of plant-based options from our retail locations across campus.

Pure Eats allergen stations

Pure Eats allergen stations are present in Pioneer, 17th Avenue, Middlebrook, and Sanford Dining Halls. At the Pure Eats allergen stations, all menu items are prepared without the top 9 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame) and gluten. These stations use separate preparation spaces, utensils, and pans and all staff members working at these stations are required to be trained in preventing cross contact. In addition, while most of the dining hall is self-serve, the allergen stations require a staff member to serve all items onto a clean and empty plate to further prevent cross contact. Our Registered Dietitian, Amy Hommes, M.S., R.D., L.D., is available for personalized guidance or support.
 

Allergy Disclaimer: At M Food Co., our kitchens offer products with all major allergens including but not limited to tree nuts, peanuts, soy, dairy, eggs, seafood, and shellfish. While we take steps to minimize the risk of cross contact, we cannot guarantee that any of our products are safe to consume for individuals with food allergies, including but not limited to tree nuts, peanuts, soy, milk, eggs, seafood, and shellfish. We make every effort to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for individuals with food allergies. Our food production staff receives guidance on the severity of food allergies. However, there is always a risk of cross contact, and manufacturers of the commercial products we use may change ingredient formulations at any time without notice. Guests concerned with food allergies should be aware of these risks. M Food Co. does not assume liability for adverse reactions to food consumed or items one may come in contact with during the dining experience.

Feel Good Foods

The Feel Good Foods program is aimed at highlighting key nutrient-dense foods available within our dining facilities each month. These foods help us to feel our healthiest by supporting our physical and/or mental health. Keep an eye out for events like Teaching Kitchens that highlight the Feel Good Food of the month.

Campus Dietitian

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Amy's Background

Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota in 2016. She completed her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Science and her dietetic internship from South Dakota State University in 2019. Prior to joining the dining service at the University of Minnesota, she worked as a clinical dietitian in a hospital setting. Please contact her with any questions or concerns, or if you would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment.