Health & Wellness
Our dining program makes it easy to eat well, so you can focus on everything else Grounds has to offer.
Meet the Dietitian
Our 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 Grounds-wide wellness initiatives, they’re dedicated to helping you thrive.
Rahma Rekik, RD
Rahma Rekik is UVA Dine's Health & Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian. She graduated from Cornell University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She then went on to complete her dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Rahma works closely with the culinary and management team to provide special dietary accommodations to students with food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Rahma also holds events throughout the year to promote overall health and wellness. Rahma aims to inspire students to live balanced and healthy lives, both physically and mentally. Students are encouraged to reach out to her for any support or guidance with dining on Grounds.
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, found in all three of our dining halls, 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.
Stress Less Zone
The Stress Less Zone is a new allergen-friendly pantry created to support students with dietary restrictions. It offers a variety of pre-packaged foods that omit gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts, with some products also omitting milk.
Conveniently located at Newcomb Hall, it is open daily from 7:00 AM to Midnight, providing flexible access for your nutritional needs. To gain access to the space, you will need to submit a dietary accommodation form to the Student Disability Access Center and meet with our registered dietitian, Rahma Rekik.
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 Registered Dietitian Rahma Rekik at rekik-rahma@aramark.com to discuss your allergies, gather information on managing them, and learn about navigating dining on Grounds. We will accommodate your individual needs and help you find safe food options on Grounds.
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? Our chefs and dietitians share their expertise on-site and online to help make sure you have the information you need.
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 MoreReal 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 NowQuick 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
Explore More About Our Dining Services
*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