Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) has recognized Duke Dining as having the ‘Best Comprehensive Allergen-Free Dining Program’ an award that honors institutions that demonstrate the most thorough and innovative approaches to food allergy management across campus dining services.
This prestigious recognition highlights Duke Dining’s campus-wide commitment to providing dining that is safe, accessible, and responsive to the personalized needs of students. The award acknowledges comprehensive practices including clear allergen signage, dedicated allergy-free locations and/or stations, cross-contact prevention protocols, and effective communication strategies that empower students to make informed dining choices.
Central to this achievement is Duke Dining’s Ask Me® Allergen Awareness Program, a comprehensive and trademarked initiative developed in collaboration with the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee and Duke Student Government. Designed to address gaps in traditional dining models, where students may feel uncertain about menu safety or hesitant to ask questions, the program creates a welcoming environment where students can confidently inquire about allergens and receive immediate, accurate information from specially trained dining representatives.
“Food allergies can create daily stress for students navigating campus dining, and our goal was to create an environment where students with food allergies can feel comfortable when dining on campus,” said Grayson Crabtree, Program Director for Duke Dining. “The Ask Me® program ensures that students feel seen, supported, and safe every time they eat. This recognition reflects the dedication of our dining teams and the importance of listening to student voices when designing inclusive dining experiences.”
Robert Coffey, Executive Director of Duke Dining, emphasized the broader impact of the award on Duke Dining’s role within higher education. “This recognition affirms Duke Dining’s position as an innovative leader in collegiate dining,” Coffey said. “It reflects our commitment to setting new standards, not just meeting expectations, for how universities can thoughtfully serve diverse student needs. We’re proud to lead with care, creativity, and a student-centered mindset that continues to shape the future of campus dining.”
By prioritizing transparency, education, and proactive engagement, Duke Dining has set new benchmarks for allergen management within higher education. The program’s success has garnered national attention and positioned Duke as a leader in allergen-free dining innovation, reinforcing the university’s broader commitment to student well-being and inclusion.