Health & Wellness
Our dining program makes it easy to eat well, so you can focus on everything else campus has to offer.
Food You Love, Fuel You Need
Eating well shouldn’t be a challenge, no matter how packed your schedule is. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a meal with friends, you’ll always find fresh, wholesome food that makes eating well simple.
We believe good nutrition should be easy and enjoyable. Our menus are designed with balance, flavor, and convenience in mind, so you never have to choose between eating well and loving what’s on your plate.
Meet the Dietitian
Our campus 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, she's here to help. From personalized consultations to campus-wide wellness initiatives, she's dedicated to helping you thrive.
Dr. Qiong Chen, RD
Dr. Qiong Chen is our Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Manager. She received her PhD in Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Dr. Chen works with the culinary team to provide special dietary accommodations to students with food allergies and other dietary restrictions, and holds events throughout the year to promote overall health and wellness. Dr. Chen aims to help students gain a better understanding of their unique nutritional needs so that they feel empowered to make choices that best fit their goals.
Connect with Dr. Chen at qiong.chen@csus.edu.
Supporting Your Needs and Preferences
If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, we’re here to help. Our goal is to provide the tools and support you need to make informed choices and dine with confidence. Whether you have a food allergy, a medical condition, or other dietary preferences, we’re committed to creating a dining experience that supports you on campus.
Dine Without Restrictions
Explore dining options designed for safety and satisfaction, offering allergen-friendly spaces that cater to your needs.
True Balance
The True Balance Station, located in The Servery at the Dining Commons, 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.
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.
Smart Eating Starts Here!
A meal plan gives you access to fresh, nutritious options designed to support your busy lifestyle.
Campus Dining Tips
Keep these tips in mind to help you navigate campus dining safely and confidently.
Inform Dining Staff
You are the most important advocate for your own health. Always notify dining staff so they are aware of your food allergies.
Ask About Ingredients
When in doubt regarding ingredients in a particular food, direct your questions to our manager on duty.
Always Be Prepared
Due to the self-serve nature of the resident dining halls, if you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, carry it with you at all times.
Request Individual Preparation
Request Individual Preparation Items at self-service stations may be prepared individually for you in our kitchens, just ask a chef or manager for assistance.
Be Mindful of Shared Equipment
Take caution with deep fried foods as frying oil is reused before being changed and may lead to cross-contact.
Keep Emergency Info Handy
Always carry your emergency contact information with you, including the names and phone numbers of trusted individuals.
Feed Your Potential
Fuel your mind and body with expert tips and inspiration to support your wellness journey.
Access Inspiration On-Demand
Tune in to expert conversations on health, nutrition, and wellbeing to fuel your day and inspire your lifestyle.
Listen NowExplore Health & Wellness Tips
Discover practical tips on nutrition, mindfulness, and healthy habits to help you thrive and live to the fullest.
Learn MoreLearn How to Cook Like a Chef
Find easy recipes for meals and snacks you can make at home, designed to nourish and energize you.
Find Recipes
Explore More About Hornet Hospitality
*Although we take great lengths to accommodate students with food allergies, we prepare food in open kitchens where cross contact with foods containing allergens may occur and we rely on our suppliers ingredient listings and may not be aware of ingredients contained in the food, but not listed on the container or packaging. As such, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment