Delicious Meals, Made For Everybody
We're committed to creating dining experiences that everyone on campus can enjoy.
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.*
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, they’re here to help. From personalized consultations to campus-wide wellness initiatives, they’re dedicated to helping you thrive.
Melissa Quirk
I joined the UML Dining team as the University’s Registered Dietitian in August 2021. I was born and raised in Canada where I completed both a BS in Kinesiology at Dalhousie University, 2011, and a BS in Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University, 2016. Recognizing the constant weight loss pressures and diet misinformation from (social)media, I am committed to a weight neutral approach to care. I focus on improving health and performance by helping clients make realistic and achievable goals while supporting behavior changes. There is no one-size fits all approach. Every nutrition session is customized to respect individual needs and preferences.
I work with UML Dining to support students as they navigate our dining halls and retail locations. You will find me at many venues across campus. An important part of my role is helping students with special dietary needs, such as food allergies, navigate the dining halls so they can eat safely. I listen and respond to student feedback by working with University Dining to meet their dietary needs and preferences.
In addition to my work with UML Dining, I collaborate with a variety of UML groups including Campus Recreation, the Wellness Center, and Athletics. I meet with students across campus who seek support with various medical conditions such as diabetes and Celiac disease. I help students living off campus build their meal planning and grocery shopping skills. I also work with students whose goal is to eat differently to fuel themselves for their academics and/or activities.
Email me to book and appointment or stop by in person! In person sessions are held at Health Services, located at University Crossing, Suite 300 as part of the Wellness Center.
Melissa Quirk, RD
Phone: 978.934.5057
E-mail: dietitian@uml.edu
Managing Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
University Dining supports students who have food allergies and have other dietary restrictions by providing information and resources that are necessary for the students to make informed food choices in all of our dining locations. We work with our guests to provide reasonable arrangements so that students may participate in the college dining experience in a healthy way. We make every effort possible to provide helpful information to students with these restrictions.
These resources include the signage containing nutrition and allergen information available at each station, MyFitnessPal app identifying recipes for each item served in the dining halls, and an accessible refrigerator stocked with prepackaged Gluten Free products, accompanied by a designated toaster and microwave.
Most importantly, we want our guests to feel comfortable and confident with their food options. Our team is well educated on precautions for preventing cross contamination and on the importance of following standardized recipes. However, if there is absolutely anything that you are unsure of, JUST ASK! Our trained and knowledgeable team will be more than willing to answer any of your dietary questions, address concerns, and accommodate requests for students who have allergies.
Guides to help manage food allergies and dietary restrictions
The Celiac College Guide
View our overview
Click here
Food Allergies
We understand how important it is for all students to have reliable dining options. If you have a food allergy, we provide the resources and information you need to make confident meal choices.
Special Diets
Food allergies are definitely not the only reason for special diets. You may be following a special diet for any number of reasons. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan, you’ve got options.
Performance Nutrition
Food plays a key role in helping you achieve your goals. From academics to athletics to the everyday energy you need for college life, we offer meals designed to support your goals and keep you fueled.
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.
Eat Well, Anywhere on Campus
Wherever your day takes you, find fresh, delicious meals that keep you fueled and feeling your best.
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 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.
*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
