Health & Wellness
Our dining program makes it easy to eat well, so you can focus on everything else our campus has to offer.
On Campus Resources
Our UK Dining Dietitian is here to support your health and wellness journey. Whether you have specific dietary needs, questions about nutrition, or just want tips on making balanced choices, they’re here to help. From personalized consultations to campus-wide wellness initiatives, they’re dedicated to helping you thrive.
Meet the Dietitian
Food Allergy & Special Diet Resources
UK Dining supports students who have food allergies by providing them with the tools and support they need to utilize the dining halls safely and be active in the management of their food allergy and/or special diet for medical, religious or personal reasons on campus.
Jessica Carter, RDN, LD
Jessica Carter is UK Dining's Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Jessica is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she completed her BS in Dietetics. Jessica strives to help students gain an understanding of their unique nutritional needs so that they feel empowered to make choices that best fit their goals.
Book a ConsultationAllergen Guide
Have questions about dining on campus with allergens or dietary restrictions? Check out our Allergen Guide for more information, tips and tricks, and dining resources.
View GuideVegan & Vegetarian Guide
Looking for Vegan and Vegetarian dining options on campus? Check out our dedicated Vegan and Vegetarian guide.
View Guide
True Balance
The True Balance station was developed to make life and eating easier for those with allergies and intolerances. The recipes and ingredients have been specially selected by our Chefs and Registered Dietitian.
True Balance is located at our two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, Fresh Food Company and Champions Kitchen.
*Students with allergies to other foods may request specially prepared meals to accommodate their special diet once they have registered with the Disability Resource Center.*
Made Without the Top 9 Food Allergens
The True Balance Station offers a complete meal made without gluten and the Top 9 Food Allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame). A dedicated and trained staff member will serve you from this station with a clean plate each time.
This station is AllerCheck certified, indicating that it follows the proper processes and procedures to minimize the risk of cross-contact and serves menu items prepared with verified ingredients. The True Balance station is audited by an independent agency at least once per year.
Created for You
All students can partake from this station, but it was especially created for students with food allergies and intolerances. In order to keep this area safe, we ask that our guests do not bring outside food, plates, cups, utensils, or take-out containers into this area.
Employee Training for Food Safety
Chefs and Cooks at True Balance have received comprehensive food safety training. Continuous education is paramount! Students with allergies and intolerances can be confident that we have trained our staff and execute re-trainings in pursuit of continuous improvement. We work together as a team to ensure that all students are well-nourished, using our products and brands that we purchase, without exception. This approach maintains that all food safety policies and requirements can be managed and executed.
We Want Your Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback regarding True Balance or how we can accommodate your special diet needs, please contact our registered dietitian at diningdietitian@lsv.uky.edu.
How We Support You
Our team will work with you to navigate your options, ensuring you have access to meals that fit your needs. Follow these steps to get started:
Meet
Contact our dining team to discuss your allergy, gather information on managing them, and learn about navigating campus dining. We will accommodate your individual needs and help you find safe food options on campus.
Support
We can provide additional support after the initial meeting. This includes meeting the culinary team who can address any allergy-related questions and concerns. It’s an opportunity for us to thoroughly review available food options.
Monitor
We continuously monitor our processes to ensure safety and care for individuals with food allergies. Throughout the year, the Dining Team is available to assist you. Feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns.
Tools to Manage Your Nutrition
Take control of your health and wellness with these tools designed to help you make informed dining decisions.
Online Nutrition Information
Easily navigate dining options and view nutrition information on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Look for nutrition icons that make it easy to find your choices, online or on-site.
Personalized Meal Calculator
Plan your meals with confidence using our meal calculator. Track your nutrition or click on the heart to save your favorite menu items. Personalize your choices to fit your goals.
Nutrition Insights & Advice
Have questions about healthy eating and nutrition? Our chefs and dietitians share their expertise on-site and online to help make sure you have the information you need.
