While many students can self-manage their food allergies and intolerances by using the resources we have available, the Special Diet Kitchen provides dietary accommodations to students with medically-indicated special diets that are difficult to self manage. It is the student's responsibility to initiate a dietary accommodation request. The student is required to follow the steps below and meet with the ISU Dining Dietitian to complete the request.

To connect with ISU Dining and get registered to eat in the Special Diet Kitchen, follow the steps below:

  • Step #1: Complete the Housing and Dining Accommodation Request Form and Risk Waiver. Submit these two forms to the ISU Dining Staff Dietitian via email or mail at diningrd@iastate.edu
  • Step #2: Contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) by phone (515-294-7220) or via email (accessibility@iastate.edu) regarding your request. SAS will ask you to provide documentation from a qualified medical provider to assist in determining how to proceed with your dietary accommodation request.
  • Step #3: SAS staff will review the documentation sent from your medical provider, and they will be in contact with ISU Dining and/or the Department of Residence as soon as appropriate. It takes SAS approximately one week to review documentation for eligibility. 

How to Request Dining Accommodations

To request dining accommodations, please follow the steps below:

  1. Submit the Housing and Dining Request Form
    1. Complete and submit the Housing and Dining Request Form online.
  2. Provide Medical Documentation
    1. Submit medical documentation that follows our Dining Documentation Guidelines.

Important Information

  • Please note that if your condition can be self-managed, you may not be deemed eligible for access to the special diet kitchen. 
  • Dietary Intolerances: SAS typically cannot approve formal dining accommodations for intolerances.
    • If you have a dietary intolerance and would like support with utilizing the dining centers on campus, we encourage you to contact the ISU Registered Dietician for support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Special Diet Kitchen serves students with severe dietary conditions, including but not limited to, celiac disease and severe food allergies. Students who are at risk of chronic health complications or anaphylactic reactions due to cross contamination are encouraged to apply for dining accommodations. 

ALL students have the option to meet with the ISU Dietitian for consultations about utilizing the dining centers on campus. For more information about nutrition labels for foods available in the dining centers, visit the Nutrition page on ISU Dining's website. 

The Special Diet Kitchen is located in the Union Drive Community Center. 

Depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your diagnosis, a coordinator may talk to you about the following options:

  • Allergen Awareness Floor
  • Housing proximity to the Special Diet Kitchen

If you have concerns about cross contamination, but do not want to live in the Allergen Aware Floor, you have the option to complete a roommate contract with the Department of Residence.