Living

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO DELICIOUS AND ACCESSIBLE MEALS

Welcome to the world of college dining, where ramen noodles and instant mac and cheese reign supreme. But let’s be real, in our campus community, we deserve dining options that work for everyone—delicious and accessible food that not only satisfies our taste buds, but also reminds us of sentimental home-cooked favorites and makes us feel like we belong. And that’s exactly what Tufts Dining is serving up. With expansive allergen-free dining options, mouthwatering Kosher and Halal offerings, and dedicated dietetic staff on-campus, Tufts ensures that all students can indulge in delicious, nourishing meal choices. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for healthy snacks to get you through a study session, Tufts has got you covered with options like our kosher deli Pax et Lox (pun intended), and allergen-free on-the-run favorites from Hodgdon. So say goodbye to bland and boring college food and hello to a dining experience that will make you feel right at home. And yes, that includes cauliflower mac and cheese, because who says healthy can’t be delicious? Grab a fork and let’s dive in!

BY JOSH COHEN ’24

Allergen-Free Options

For those navigating food allergies, Tufts Dining has gone to great lengths to ensure access to diverse, worry-free dining options. Start uphill at Fresh at Carmichael, one of the largest on-campus dining halls serving up 100% gluten-, peanut-, and treenut-free delights. You heard that right—an entire dining hall free from gluten, peanuts, and treenuts. Some fan favorites include Build-Your-Own Ramen Thursdays, morning flapjacks, and Meatless Mondays! Similarly, the ALL9FREE station at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center is dedicated to serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a separate kitchen space without the top nine food allergens (eggs, fish, gluten, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, and treenuts). Dewick is also home to the gluten-, peanut-, and treenutfree pantry where students can fill up on all the essentials. Seeking gluten-free guilty pleasures or a safe snack in between classes? Besides Carm and Dewick, you’ll find gluten-free sandwiches, sushi, and grab-and-go items at all Tufts cafés. Hodgdon Food On-the-Run is where you’ll want to head for glutenfree hoagies and grain bowls. If you’re looking for an individualized dining option that caters to your specific needs, work with the trained nutrition team at major Tufts dining locations through the Alternative Meal Program for food that is designed and prepared for you on dedicated kitchen equipment and utensils. (Note: StAAR Center Approval required.)

Inclusive Dining

Recognizing and celebrating the diverse culinary experiences and traditions of Tufts students, Tufts Dining manages several inclusive dining solutions across campus and seeks to ensure that all of our Jumbos are respected, accommodated, and well fed! Daily halal preparations are available at Dewick and Carm, including at ALL9FREE. Around the corner at Hodgdon, grab a warm halal chicken or lamb shawarma, piled high with all of your favorite toppings. If you’re on the prowl for fabulous kosher options, head to Dewick to indulge in the brand new kosher-certified and completely vegan food line. For a taste of arguably the best kosher deli in the area, you can’t beat Pax et Lox in the Mayer Campus Center featuring an innovative menu of made-to-order sandwiches and sides. This iconic (and peanut/treenut-free) full-service counter plates up favorites, including succulent smoked salmon, pastrami, latkes, sweet noodle kugel, and pickles. You can even attempt to conquer “The Summit’’— delicious New York-style pastrami piled high with mustard and caramelized onions on rye bread.

Registered Dietitian On-Staff

A truly inclusive dining experience would be incomplete without the support and knowledge of our on-campus dietetic team, including an on-staff registered dietician, to guide you through the process of navigating food allergies and restrictions. Consulting with students individually, our dietitian assists students in making informed choices about meals so that they can enjoy a healthy and safe dining experience on campus. Empowered by an understanding that feeling at home at Tufts includes feeling comfortable and included at mealtime, nutritional staff are committed to supporting Jumbos, plate by plate.