Dietary Needs
At Queen’s University, we take allergies and dietary needs very seriously. We support students who require dietary accommodations by providing information and knowledge that is essential to make informed choices while dining on campus and participating in the university experience.
Our staff undergo mandatory allergy training through AllerTrain to receive certification for Managing Food Allergens & Gluten in a Commercial Setting.
If you are a student that requires dietary accommodations, we encourage you to set up an appointment with our Hospitality Services’ Registered Dietitian, Jessica Bertrand and/or Executive Chef, Colin Johnson.We encourage all students to “Ask Before You Eat”.
Do you have food allergies? We can help you.
We know it can be hard to manage food allergies in a new place – we’re here to help you. If you have yet to contact Hospitality Services about your allergies, or if you have but you continue to have concerns, please ensure to contact our office at 613-533-2953 or by emailing dining@queensu.ca.
Our services include:
- Confidential consultation with our Campus Executive Chef and/or Registered Dietitian
- Access to a dining hall chef or manager to help you make safe choices
- On-going support and guidance throughout the school year
When eating in the dining halls, please ask to speak to a manager or chef for assistance.
Are you applying to residence? Below are steps we encourage you to take:
- Complete Hospitality Services allergy intake form online here.
- If able, come meet Hospitality Services’ Chefs and Registered Dietitian at Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) in July. Register for the event here.
- If not able to come to SOAR, book a virtual appointment with our Hospitality Services’ Registered Dietitian through the summer months here (choose “Allergy/Dietary Needs Appointment for Future Students”)
- Appointments are also available in person upon arrival to campus and throughout the year. These can also be booked through the same link.
Registered Dietitian, Wellness & Sustainability Manager
With a diverse skill set in hospitality, research and clinical, Jessica is excited to share her passion of food and nutrition with staff and students here at Queen’s University.
Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Applied Nutrition and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph, which included a semester in Melbourne, Australia. Jessica also completed a diploma in Food and Nutrition Management and is an Allergy Certified Master Trainer through AllerTrain.
Jessica is dedicated to making the food on campus more delicious, nutritious, sustainable and easier to navigate for those with dietary allergies and restrictions. She looks forward to meeting students across campus and helping them build lifelong healthy habits.
As a hospitality employee, Jessica’s confidential nutrition appointments are limited to students eating on campus. However, she is happy to discuss the many food service options available on campus with you.
To contact another Registered Dietitian in the area who will be able to help with your personal nutrition counselling, please search for one here or reach one by calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Jessica also writes a monthly blog on all things nutrition and wellness. Click below and subscribe to stay in the loop!
Jessica’s Blog
Campus Executive Chef, Allergy and Alternative Diets contact
Colin has been with Queen’s since 1993, and is the Allergy and Alternative Diets contact for students and parents. A Red Seal certified chef, Colin worked in several restaurant kitchens before joining the university as a Sous Chef. He has held a number of positions within Hospitality Services, and has been the Campus Executive Chef since 2006.
Along with training from George Brown and the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Colin was named Sodexo Chef of the Year in 2004 and 2010, and was the team leader on the Silver Medal and People’s Choice winner team for the 2008 Canadian College and University Food Services Association’s Chef Competition. He was also a member of the Silver Medal team on the 2002 North America Culinary Competition, and the Executive Sous Chef at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Colin is passionate about local food, and also loves catching the latest Alton Brown episode on the Food Network. His favourite food is braised lamb shanks – and if you ask him, he’d be glad to give you the perfect recipe.
For students with an allergy / dietary need, book an appointment with our team here:
Book a Dietitian / Allergy Appointment
Fill out the Allergy / Dietary Intake Form
Phone: 613-533-2953
Location: Victoria Hall, Room E022
Allergies?
Watch the following video and learn how we can assist you in maintaining the requirements for your allergies.
Food photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com