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. For accomodations requests please reach out to Samford's Office of Accessibility and Accomdations at access@samford.edu or (205) 726-4078.
Meet the Chef
Chef Roderick Johnson
Roderick “Rod” Johnson is the Executive Chef at Samford’s main dining hall, The Caf. With a passion for fresh, creative cooking, Chef Rod believes good food brings people together. Growing up helping at his grandfather’s restaurant, he developed a love for experimenting with flavors, especially soups, stocks, and sauces. His culinary expertise and enthusiasm make The Caf a highlight of the Samford Dining experience.
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.
How We Support You
Our team will work with you to navigate your options, ensuring you have access to meals that fit your needs. Follow these steps to get started:
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Meet - Contact our dining team to discuss your allergy, gather information on managing them, and learn about navigating campus dining. We will accommodate your individual needs and help you find safe food options on campus.
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Support - We can provide additional support after the initial meeting. This includes meeting the culinary team who can address any allergy-related questions and concerns. It’s an opportunity for us to thoroughly review available food options.
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Monitor - We continuously monitor our processes to ensure safety and care for individuals with food allergies. Throughout the year, the Dining Team is available to assist you. Feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns.
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
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
