Meet the Dietitian

Our dietitian Brianna Watson brings her passion for nutrition and wellness to Albany to assist students with finding nutritious and delicious food on campus. Brianna is available for complimentary consultations on topics such as

  • Food allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, or other special dietary needs 
  • Eating healthy on campus
  • Vegan and vegetarian nutrition 
  • Weight management 
  • Campus Presentations
  • Sports Nutrition
Feel free to contact us at nutritionalservices@albany.edu
 

Simple Servings and Gluten-Free Friendly Dining Options

If you have food allergies, Celiac or non-Celiac gluten intolerance (or have friends that do), Simple Servings, offered at both dining halls, is for you! Simple Servings' plain and simple wellness-promoting foods also appeal to guests who are focused on ingredients and/or portion sizes for weight control, blood sugar control or other health reasons. All foods served at Simple Servings are prepared exclusively with ingredients which do not contain the following food allergens:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Shellfish
  • Peanuts
  • Tree Nuts
  • Sesame
Please note that foods prepared for Simple Servings do not contain gluten. Foods are prepared in a facility which uses these ingredients in the production of other dishes. Although we take measures to ensure against this, the possibility of cross contact does exist.
 
Indigenous and State Quad dining rooms also both feature gluten-free friendly stations including gluten-free breads, cereals, and more. Both dining rooms also feature a gluten-free friendly salad bar. 
 
Indigenous Quad also offerings MyZone, a gluten-free, peanut- and tree-nut-free area reserved for students with food allergies and other dietary needs. My Zone acts as a self-service pantry for students to be involved in their own allergen-safe meal preparation. This area is equipped with a designated microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and allergen-free prep surfaces. To get access to this key-card-access-only area, contact nutritionalservices@albany.edu.

Special Diet Accommodations and Allergen Information

Before placing your order, please inform a dining staff member if you or a person in your party has a food allergy. If you have dietary questions, please ask to speak directly with a manager. Retail dining allergen information can be found HERE.

Follow the steps below to assure your dietary needs are effectively met while dining on campus: 

1. Provide a signed diagnosis and prescription plan from your licensed healthcare.
2. Schedule a meeting with UAlbany Dining’s dietitian (nutritionalservices@albany.edu) to develop a written plan that meets your dietary needs. 

Halal Options: Halal locations in retail include: Halal Shack, Baba's Pizza, Jamal's Chicken, and 518 Market. (Note: meal plan students should use Munch Money, Podium or credit card for 518 Market items since there is no discount when using Discount Dollars). At our dining halls you can also ask a manager for Halal chicken.

Kosher Options: We have a Kosher program that students can opt into which will allow them to enjoy meals for pick-up at 518 Market or at Shabbos House. For more information about Kosher options, please visit our Kosher opt-in page.