University of South Carolina Offers Gluten-Free Dining with Naturally Woodstock and Plan-it-Healthy

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, today announced that University of South Carolina (USC) students, staff and visitors looking for gluten-free dining options will find two new destinations on campus that meet their needs. Naturally Woodstock, an existing retail dining venue, recently revamped its menu to feature exclusively gluten-free items. Plan-It-Healthy also offers a menu consisting entirely of gluten-free items.

An estimated three million Americans suffer from celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process. When a person who has celiac disease consumes gluten, the individual's immune system attacks the small intestine and inhibits the body's ability to absorb important nutrients. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is essential for those with celiac disease and sensitivity to gluten to avoid products containing these ingredients. Until recently, however, it has often been difficult to find suitable gluten-free food options, especially when dining away from home.

When administrators at USC noticed an ongoing rise in the number of students arriving on campus with gluten intolerance or a preference for gluten-free foods, they worked with campus dining partner Sodexo to identify possible solutions. The new menus at these two dining venues will help meet the ever-increasing demand for gluten-free foods at USC.

Naturally Woodstock, which originally opened in 2014, offers sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, and smoothies. In addition to being gluten-free, all items served at Naturally Woodstock are also part of Sodexo's Mindful program. Mindful, which emphasizes healthy cooking techniques that maximize flavor while minimizing calories, fat and sodium, offers a holistic approach to nutrition and wellness. All Mindful items must meet strict criteria regarding calories, fat, and other nutrients. The wide variety of healthy and gluten-free items available at these two venues makes it easy for students, faculty, and staff to meet their nutrition and wellness needs.

"From gluten-free chicken cacciatore pizzetta to nitro cold brew coffee, Naturally Woodstock offers something for everyone, making it a great dining destination on campus," explained John Brasington, Sodexo operations director. Brasington was instrumental in creating a menu for Naturally Woodstock that reflects the latest culinary trends while also meeting Mindful and gluten-free requirements.

In addition to the extensive menu, Naturally Woodstock features a full coffee bar with locally sourced coffee from Indah. Indah started in 2010 at the Soda City Market and has continued to grow in popularity throughout the Columbia area. Coffee lovers at USC can enjoy a variety of coffee beverages at Naturally Woodstock, such as lattes and cold brew coffees.

At Plan-It-Healthy, guests can select from a rotating menu of gluten-free items. The eatery serves at least two different entrées and three vegetables each day. It also offers a grab-and-go selection of prepackaged gluten-free items, making it even easier for students, faculty, and staff to meet their unique dietary needs, even when they are pressed for time.

This past year, several Sodexo universities took gluten-free dining to a whole new level by opening gluten-free dining destinations on campus. Kent State University was the first in the nation to introduce a certified gluten-free dining hall on a college campus. Prentice Café earned its gluten-free certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

SOURCE Sodexo

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