Food Allergy and Dietary Questions

Meal Plans

Meal Plans are mandatory for all students living in TWU residence. The deadline to apply for a Meal Plan Exemption is the Add/Drop date for the semester. Requests received after the Add/Drop deadline will not be considered.

TWU Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, strives to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and restrictions. Before requesting a meal plan exemption, students are encouraged to connect with Dining Services to explore available accommodations.

TWU Dining Services can accommodate many dietary requirements, including:

  • Wheat/gluten-related restrictions
  • Dairy/lactose restrictions
  • Egg allergies
  • Soy allergies
  • Fish allergies
  • Vegetarian diets
  • Vegan diets
  • Halal diets
  • Other common food allergies and dietary restrictions

Students may contact Sodexo's culinary team to discuss available accommodations: https://twu.sodexomyway.com/en-us/contact/meet-the-team

Requesting a Medical Meal Plan Exemption

A medical meal plan exemption may be considered when a student's medical condition or disability significantly impacts their ability to utilize the meal plan and their needs cannot be reasonably accommodated through available dining services.

Students requesting a medical exemption must submit supporting documentation from a qualified healthcare professional.

Medical Documentation Requirements

Medical documentation should provide sufficient information for TWU to evaluate the accommodation request. Documentation should include:

  • The nature of the medical condition or disability, where appropriate.
  • A description of the functional limitations affecting the student's ability to access or utilize the meal plan.
  • Any medically necessary dietary restrictions.
  • The healthcare provider's professional opinion regarding the accommodation being requested.
  • The expected duration of the condition or limitations (temporary or ongoing).
  • Confirmation that the healthcare provider has assessed or is treating the student.
  • The healthcare provider's:
    • Name
    • Professional designation and credentials
    • Signature
    • Clinic or practice name
    • Contact information

TWU may request additional information if the documentation provided does not contain sufficient information to assess the request.

Important Information

Please note:

  • A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a student for a meal plan exemption.
  • Documentation should explain how the student's condition affects their ability to participate in the meal plan.
  • Dietary preferences, lifestyle choices, personal food dislikes, or non-medical dietary practices do not normally qualify for a meal plan exemption.
  • The existence of a medical condition does not automatically result in approval of an exemption request.
  • Each request is reviewed individually based on the information provided and the accommodations available through TWU Dining Services.

TWU is committed to working with students to identify reasonable accommodations that support their health, safety, and academic success.

Healthcare Professionals

Documentation should be provided by a regulated healthcare professional qualified to assess and support the student's condition. Examples may include:

  • Physician (MD)
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
  • Medical Specialist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Other regulated healthcare professionals acting within their scope of practice

Submit a Meal Plan Exemption Request

Students seeking a meal plan exemption may submit their request through the Housing Exemption Request Form:

Submit a Meal Plan Exemption Request

All required documentation must be received by the Add/Drop deadline.

For applicable semester deadlines, please refer to:

Housing Dates and Deadlines