Campus Dining
Nutrition and Allergies
Navigating the Dining Halls - Nutrition and Food Allergens
Have an allergy, or dietary preference, or would like additional nutrition information? Central Washington University has a campus dietitian, Emily Shaw MS, RDN, CD who works closely with Dining Services to ensure recipe accuracy, develop nutritional resources, and provide allergen training for the Dining Team.
Emily is available to provide resources, answer questions, and provide individualized education and counseling for students. Including individualized consultations that walk you through each of our dining locations in detail that meet your unique needs. To schedule a consultation with Emily reach out to her directly via email at Emily.Shaw@cwu.edu.
Meal Choice Connect
Eat on Campus with Confidence! Nutritional Information and Meal Planning at Your Fingertips
You can now browse our library of recipes for nutritional information and a comprehensive list of ingredients. Get access to the information you need to make healthy and informed choices about your diet.
You can also add meals to the diet tracker and plan your days nutrition with clarity and foresight.
Nutritional information is available for all Dining Services concepts and locations, except the Panda Express Nutritional Information and the Freshens Nutritional Information, which you can find by following the links above. Please ensure you select the correct meal components for an accurate nutritional representation.
Launch Meal Choice ConnectAllergen Disclaimer
CWU takes the health and safety of our students very seriously and we encourage and empower our students to take every step possible to protect their own.
CWU Dining Services makes an effort to identify ingredients and provide an allergy friendly dining experience. Employees are trained on safe handling procedures to minimize risk. However, because foods are prepared in a commercial kitchen there is always risk of cross contact and the possibility of the manufacturer changing their product information or consistency of ingredients without our knowledge. In addition, the foods we prepare without gluten ingredients are not certified Gluten Free. Consumers concerned about food ingredients and allergens should be aware of these risks. It is ultimately the consumer’s responsibility to determine whether ingredients or selected foods are safe for consumption. If an individual has been diagnosed by a physician with a life-threatening food allergy, this may constitute a disability under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Dining Services complies with the ADA, which addresses the obligation to make reasonable modifications in polices, practices and procedures when necessary to accommodate students with disabilities including food allergies.
Food Allergen & Dietary Preference Resources
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Allergen and Dietary Preference Indicators
Dining Services indicate primary dietary preferences and allergens on all menus across campus. Dietary preferences indicated include Halal, vegetarian, and vegan. The top 8 allergens are indicated when present and include dairy, egg, fish, sesame, soy, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts. Please be aware that we are a peanut and peanut product-free campus except for Panda Express.
Look for the following information on the menus available throughout Dinging Services, as well as the corresponding icons next to menu items:
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Purple Paw
Dining Services launched Purple Paw in January of 2023 by creating an allergy-friendly approach to food preparation. Students, faculty, community members, and staff can ask for a Dining Services staff member who wear a purple paw pin, signifying that they are specially trained to prepare their food in a safe manner. Your food will be prepared in a safe space identified with the color purple to avoid any cross contact.
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Halal Meat Options
Dining began offering Halal meat options in January 2023. Halal chicken can be found at Central Marketplace's El Gato and Quesadilla locations, and in Holmes Dining Room. Look for the 'H' icon next to the menu items.
We understand that everyone's cultural and nutritional needs are unique and encourage you to reach out to the manager on duty to review the product information and equipment used in preparation.
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Nutrition Counseling
Emily Shaw, CWU's registered dietitian provides medical nutrition therapy/nutrition education to students on the CWU campus for conditions such as weight management, hypertension, diabetes, and eating disorders.
Please call Student Health Services to schedule an appointment at 509 963 1881.
Student Health Services
Dietary Restriction/Food Allergen Form Submission
Please let us know about any allergens or dietary restrictions we can help you navigate!
If you are a submitting a severe food allergy a meeting with the campus dietitian will be offered. This meeting is encouraged for all participants but is highly recommended for individuals with severe life-threatening allergies. You will receive information on available options, processes, and staff introductions to support your needs.
In the meantime for any questions, comments, or concerns contact: Emily Shaw MS, RDN, CD at Emily.Shaw@cwu.edu.
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