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Health & Wellness

Our dining program makes it easy to eat well, so you can focus on everything else campus has to offer.

Looking for Balance?

  • Remember the Paw!

    The Paw Plate is inspired by our beloved Duke Dog mascot and is a reminder to prioritize balance while dining on campus to fuel success in the classroom and beyond.

Meet Our Dietitian

Our campus dietitian is here to support your health and wellness journey. Whether you have specific dietary needs, questions about nutrition, or just want tips on making balanced choices, they’re here to help. From personalized consultations to campus-wide wellness initiatives, they’re dedicated to helping you thrive.

  • Hanna Serrano, RDN

    Hanna Serrano, RDN is JMU Dining's Health & Wellness Manager. Hanna is a graduate of James Madison University ('22) where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Hanna works with the culinary team to provide special dietary accommodations to students with food allergies and other dietary restrictions, and holds events throughout the year to promote overall health and wellness. Hanna aims to help students gain a better understanding of their unique nutritional needs so that they feel empowered to make choices that best fit their goals.

    Access our guidebooks below!

    Questions? Email serranhb@jmu.edu.

Awards and Recognitions

  • 2025 MenuTrinfo ® "Best Overall Allergen-Free Campus Dining Program"
  • 2025 Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)  "Community Choice Award"
  • Celiac College Guide- Verified

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Tools to Manage Your Nutrition

Take control of your health and wellness with these tools designed to help you make informed dining decisions.

  • Online Nutrition Information

    Easily navigate dining options and view nutrition information on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Look for nutrition icons that make it easy to find your choices, online or on-site.

  • Personalized Meal Calculator

    Plan your meals with confidence using our meal calculator. Track your nutrition or click on the heart to save your favorite menu items. Personalize your choices to fit your goals. 

  • Nutrition Insights & Advice

    Have questions about healthy eating and nutrition? Email serranhb@jmu.edu for our dietitian's expertise!

Smart Eating Starts Here!

A meal plan gives you access to fresh, nutritious options designed to support your busy lifestyle.

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 Participation

    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.

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.

  • Worry-Free Zone

    The Worry-Free Zone is an isolated, locked pantry stocked with peanut-, tree nut-, and gluten-free products located in D-Hall. Students who are medically required to limit or avoid peanuts, tree nuts, and/or gluten should reach out to our Health & Wellness Manager to gain access to the pantry.

  • Stress-Less Corner

    Stress-Less Corner is located in E-Hall and offers pre-packaged food items that limit or avoid peanuts, tree nuts, and/or gluten. Open to all.

Feed Your Potential

Strengthen your mind and body with expert tips and inspiration to support your wellness journey and unlock your full potential every day.

  • Food & Resources for Wellbeing

    Explore our blogs for practical nutrition tips and expert-backed advice you can use every day. Find simple strategies to support focus, fitness, and busy schedules so you can thrive and feel your best.

    Learn More

  • Real Talk About Health & Wellness

    Tune in to dynamic conversations with leading voices in health, nutrition, and wellbeing—packed with ideas and inspiration to energize your day and empower your life.

    Listen Now

  • Quick Bites to Comforting Classics

    Dive into our collection of flavorful, feel-good recipes made with wellness in mind — from PB & Q energy bites to chicken pot pie and carrot cake–inspired muffins, there’s something delicious for every craving.

    Discover Recipes

*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