Registered Dietitian & Wellness Director, Beth Winthrop, and the Sodexo team were awarded this year’s Best Food Allergy Innovation for Universities at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Il. by AllerTrain by Menutrinfo.
Simple Servings by Sodexo, a nationally recognized program, provides allergen and gluten-safe dining experiences for students at 100+ colleges and universities across the U.S. The “simple” part comes from the minimally processed foods that are free from the most common allergens and gluten-containing ingredients. The program is favored not only by students with allergies or sensitivities, but also by those who are looking for simpler, cleaner meal options. Simple Servings focuses on safety, but also inclusion and stations are open to all diners.
Behind the scenes is where the program really shines. All staff members receive AllerTrain’s accredited food allergy training from Winthrop or their university’s own Certified Master Trainer. Safety measures are taken from the loading dock to serving station. Separate equipment, storage areas, utensils and preparation areas all minimize the risk of cross-contact.
“Beth Winthrop is leading a brave, innovative and evidence-based allergy program for Sodexo Universities. Through Beth’s work and mentorship, I am now leading my own charge in our university accounts.” Said Kelsey Rosenbaum, Sodexo District Campus Dietitian in Louisiana. Winthrop’s enthusiasm and passion for food allergy safety and training are contagious. She’s trained nearly 1,600 Sodexo team members throughout the U.S. and Canada since 2016. Despite a grueling travel schedule, she serves as an inspiration and mentor to those she’s trained.
“On behalf on Sodexo Universities’ managers, chefs, and registered dietitians, I am thrilled to be recognized with the 2017 Best Food Allergy Innovation award. AllerTrain U is an integral part of preparing our dining teams for the formidable responsibility of offering “Simple Servings,” our award-winning allergy safe and gluten free resident dining station. Allertrain U helps us review every detail and then test the knowledge of our team. To me, this award means that the AllerTrain team sees the Simple Servings offer as a great example of what can happen when we are all focused on food allergy safety as a common and essential goal.” Said Beth Winthrop.
Through Sodexo’s Simple Servings program and their attention to ingredients, protocol and training, students entering college (and their parents) can breathe a sigh of relief that they’ll enjoy a safe dining hall experience. Simple Servings is the epitome of innovation when it comes to safely serving students with food allergies. Additionally, with Beth Winthrop at the helm of training and tirelessly spreading this knowledge across North America, there is no question they are the leader in this realm.
AllerTrain offers the only ANSI accredited food allergy and gluten-free training courses for the foodservice industry, and provides nutritional counseling and policy development. The courses have been approved to provide allergen training for both the state of Michigan and Montgomery County, MD. AllerTrain teaches foodservice professionals about the top foods causing food allergies, proper protocol for preparing food to avoid cross-contact and how to better serve diners with special dietary needs. Visit www.allertrain.com for more information.
Founded in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 80 countries, Sodexo serves 75 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Visit www.sodexousa.com for more information.
