CDS Nutrition Best Practices

The goal of Carolina Dining Services' Nutrition Program is to enable, educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt and lead healthier lifestyles.  The program recognizes various food preferences and allergies among a large campus population and is dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of its students, providing nutrition education, and spreading nutrition awareness.


The on-site CDS Registered Dietitian collaborates with the chefs in developing and planning a four-week menu cycle that incorporates a variety of menu options to satisfy a number of special diets (gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, 500 Calories or Less, etc.)

"CDS Smart Choice" highlights daily menu options that meet specific nutrition criteria according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and FDA standards, taking into account each item's macronutrient and micronutrient content.  Check one out at both residential and retail locations!

"Meat 'less' Mondays" is a promotion to help reduce meat consumption by 15% to improve personal health and the health of the planet.  Every Monday, CDS dining halls have at least four stations dedicated to offering strictly vegetarian and vegan options.

"500 Calories or Less" helps students to identify calorie-conscious options in the dining hall by highlighting meal combinations that are 500 Calories or Less.

CDS recognizes and flags the top 8 allergens in all menu items: milk, eggs, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.  The CDS RD, managers and chefs also educate the food production staff regularly on the severity of food allergies/intolerances and how to avoid the risk of cross-contact.

The CDS RD, managers and chefs also educate employees on appropriate serving sizes to emphasize portion control as it relates to healthy eating, weight management and food waste reduction.

The CDS RD is involved in student and parent nutrition counseling for those with special dietary needs.  The CDS RD works closely with the culinary team to ensure student's dietary needs are being accommodated.  Individual students are able to meet with the RD, managers and chefs to make arrangements for specially prepared food when the daily menu offerings do not meet their needs.

Throughout the year, the CDS RD in collaboration with student and campus organizations will involve the students in nutrition education and awareness through weekly programs, events, cooking demos and tablings.

CDS NUTRITION STANDARDS:
Here at CDS, we hold ourselves to a high standard of nutrition and we seek to offer healthy, nutritious options in our dining halls.

• We use a zero trans-fat free, dairy free margarine
• We fry in zero trans-fat vegetable oil
• We use a zero trans-fat, soy free canola and extra virgin olive oil chef blend
• We always have low-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese
• We use all natural, allergen free vegetable, chicken and beef bases
• We always have a lean protein options for every meal period - chicken, turkey, pork or fish
• We provide fully loaded salad bars filled with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, and protein alternatives
• We always have whole wheat pasta and bread, and occasionally brown rice
• We have peanut machines that make freshly ground peanut butter with no added oils, salts, or preservatives

We try our very best to accommodate everyone's needs and preferences for CDS strives not only to meet, but to exceed expectations.  We'd like to welcome you to CDS and we hope you have a wonderful dining experience with us today and every day!  And remember to EAT HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE AND LIVE WELL!