Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) offers a variety of dining options to meet students’ nutritional needs. Students who require accommodations for medically documented dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, or other health conditions, should make this request through the Disability Access Office. All students requesting dining accommodations must follow the DAO registration process.
When to Apply
Once we receive your completed application and documentation, it typically takes us a minimum of 2 weeks to determine and implement dining accommodations, although it can take longer depending on the complexity.
Late applications: If you submit your application after the deadline, this could delay our review and implementation of your request.
| If you are a | Apply and submit documentation to DAO by |
|---|---|
| Current FAS student | August 1 |
| Incoming first-year undergraduate student requesting general dietary accommodations and/or participating in a Pre-Orientation program | May 15 |
How to Apply
- Submit an application to our office along with supporting documentation. If you are already registered with DAO, please complete a supplemental request through the AIM portal. Once you have logged into AIM, select Additional Accommodation Request Form from the panel on the left (from a desktop).
- We will invite you to schedule a meeting with an Accessibility Advisor. At this meeting, you will discuss your dietary needs and possible options for access. Your advisor will determine reasonable dining accommodations and share this plan with the HUDS Dietician.
- Attend a follow-up meeting with DAO and the HUDS Dietician (College) or HUDS Dining Manager (GSAS) to discuss how your accommodations will be implemented.
Supporting Documentation
You should submit documentation from an appropriate clinician that meets our documentation guidelines.
Your clinician should also note dietary information including:
- What foods you need to avoid and why (for example: Peanuts cause an anaphylactic reaction)
- Specific information about your dietary needs
- Any other barriers to accessing meals and the dining hall environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be exempt from the meal plan?
The Disability Access Office will work with you to identify your dietary needs and implement accommodations that will provide a safe and accessible dining experience. On rare occasions, HUDS may be unable to meet specific aspects of a medically necessary dietary accommodation, and a meal plan exemption could be recommended. Students are expected to engage in the process when accommodations are offered that will meet their dietary and safety needs. Food preferences are not considered as part of an accommodated meal plan. If approved, meal plan exemptions are not retroactive.
I have a dietary request that is not a food allergy, can DAO help?
DAO works with students who have disabilities that significantly impact a major life activity. This may include food-related diagnoses that are not allergies. However, if you have any dietary request that is not directly related to a medical condition (faith based, social preferences, food preferences, etc.), please speak to a HUDS Dining Manager.
Students who follow a Halal or Kosher diet can find information on the HUDS website.
What allergen information is available to me?
HUDS shares their ingredients in multiple locations to help you identify foods that meet your needs. HUDS makes every effort to label its food correctly. However, please note that given the number of meals served and the number of items used, it is impossible to guarantee 100% accuracy of labeling or prevention of cross-contamination.
If you have a food allergy, you should register with DAO to ensure HUDS can meet your needs.
- Online menu: HUDS posts their complete menu and ingredients list online, and it shows the entire ingredient list for each recipe.
- Dining hall labels: Labels feature an abbreviated list of ingredients including a note at the bottom highlighting the top 9 allergens plus alcohol and pork.
Does DAO share my allergy information with others?
Your medical information is not automatically shared with HUHS, residential staff, faculty, or other Harvard affiliates. We strongly encourage you to disclose any significant food allergies to HUHS and residential life staff.
I need help navigating the dining hall options. Who can I speak with to help me with my diet / dietary needs?
Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) dietitian can provide guidance regarding implementation of DAO approved dietary accommodations. Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) nutritionists and dietitians can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), nutrition counseling, and work with you to create a plan to meet your nutritional needs.
Students can self-refer by calling 617-495-2068 or self-scheduling via the patient portal. No referral is needed for students and there is no additional cost for services (covered by the Student Health Fee).