Appalachian State University has been recognized for its efforts to accommodate students with food allergies, earning a spot as No. 10 on Spokin’s list of “Top 100 Food Allergy-Friendly Colleges” for 2024. This is the first time App State has been included in the top ten and is one of only two new entries among Spokin Verified Colleges this year.
Campus Dining Executive Director Elizabeth Riede expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We have introduced a lot of resources and changes into Campus Dining, and we are so grateful that it is resonating with our students and the broader community.” She added that the ranking highlights the innovations within their program.
Spokin, a platform aimed at making life easier for those managing food allergies and celiac disease, praised colleges that provide safe dining environments. “These colleges offer students a safe home away from home with dedicated allergen-free dining halls and stations, allergen menus, knowledgeable staff and their willingness to make accommodations,” Spokin stated.
The university's recent advancements in allergy-friendly dining options can be attributed to Farrah Reidt, who became App State’s director of nutrition in fall 2023. Reidt emphasized her commitment to creating an inclusive dining experience: “Our team has put hard work, dedication and commitment into improving the dining experience for our guests with food allergies and other dietary restrictions.”
Under Reidt's guidance, App State implemented Nutrislice, a digital menu transparency tool that provides real-time updates on allergens present in menu items. The system uses symbols to indicate which of the top nine allergens are present and labels items as vegan, halal or gluten-free.
Nutrislice information is available on screens at All Access dining spaces and through a mobile app. This initiative aims to assist diners in navigating special diets more easily.
Appalachian State University's Campus Dining services focus on sustainability by sourcing locally and contributing to campus composting efforts. The university itself is part of the University of North Carolina System, known for its innovative teaching methods and accessible education offerings across multiple campuses.
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