Beginning this fall, centrally located Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company and Pencader Dining Hall, on Laird campus, will have True Balance Allergen Solutions stations, which will further accommodate University of Delaware students and guests with food allergies and gluten intolerances.

True Balance will be in addition to the specialized support Debbi Miller, Dining Services’ registered dietitian, provides to help students locate food they can eat, develop individualized menus and provide specially prepared foods when the daily offerings do not meet their dietary needs.

The menus for True Balance have been carefully designed to create options for all students to enjoy and will eliminate seven of the top eight food allergens: milk, eggs, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat. Eight food allergens cause 90% of allergic reactions in all people. Fin fish, the eighth of eight, will be incorporated into the menu occasionally to allow for sufficient protein variety.

The introduction of True Balance is UD Dining Services and Aramark’s direct response to student needs and supports the overall student experience by ensuring that dining offerings meet the needs of all students regardless of specific ingredient needs and requests.

True Balance will serve an eclectic selection of rotating menus items including spicy lemon chicken, beef and mushroom pot roast, fresh vegetables and sides. It also features made-without-gluten options, in addition to Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company’s already existing Made-Without-Gluten station.

“We are happy to facilitate safe and healthy choices for students with food allergies or special diets while dining on campus,” said Miller.

“The goal is to provide students with an equal opportunity to enjoy on-campus dining regardless of their specific food allergy or sensitivity.”

Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company and Pencader Dining Hall were chosen based on their layouts so the True Balance station could be separated from the main kitchen and storage space, reducing the risk of cross-contact.

True Balance, at both locations, will be open for lunch and dinner, Mondays through Fridays, and for brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

Students and guests can enter Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company and Pencader Dining Hall by using a meal or they have the option of paying the door rate with points, Flex or cash. Credit is also accepted at Caesar Rodney Fresh Food Company. Entry into these residential dining locations enables them to choose from anything offered throughout the location; students and guests can choose to eat from any and all stations.

To-go, from True Balance, is also available. It is limited to one, three-compartment container and should not include choices from other stations in the dining location in order to minimize the risk of cross-contact.

Dining Services’ website, www.udel.edu/dining, also gives students access to menus, as well as nutrition information, ingredient lists and allergen statements. Nutrition information is also available at each station in all on-campus dining locations.