Category: News

Mason Dining has received the Gold award in the NACUFS Special Diet Program Nutrition Awards. The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Nutrition Awards recognizes outstanding, innovative nutrition and wellness programs in collegiate dining that meet and exceed students’ diverse dietary needs. This includes accommodations for religious restrictions, allergens, and lifestyle preferences.

In Fall 2023, Mason Dining, operated by Sodexo, launched an expansive initiative to significantly improve the dining experience for students with dietary challenges. The addition of The Difference Baker, an allergen-free bakery—the first of its kind on a college campus—marked a significant advancement towards food and community inclusivity. This partnership helped George Mason become the first college in the nation to be Spokin-verified. Spokin is an app-based resource that helps students with various dietary needs find safe dining options through daily menus.

“Winning the NACUFS 2024 Nutrition Award for our Special Diet Program underscores our commitment to improving the Mason experience for faculty, staff, and students,” said Pascal Petter, George Mason’s Executive Director of Auxiliary Services. “By championing inclusivity over exclusivity through initiatives like The Difference Baker, we continue to cultivate a high-quality dining experience that embodies Mason’s values, promoting student success and well-being. This award is a testament to our dedication to fostering a culture of belonging and addressing disparities to support access, diversity, equity, and inclusion at Mason.”

These achievements demonstrate Mason Dining’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive dining program for the university community. By dramatically enhancing the menus available for students with dietary restrictions, the dining program has proven to be an industry leader, championing the ideals of a supportive and inclusive community.

Focus group participants expressed high appreciation for these inclusivity initiatives. One student said, “As someone with severe gluten and nut allergies, I often struggle to find safe food options on campus. The Difference Baker has been a game-changer for me. Their products are delicious and give me peace of mind.”

Spokin has also recognized Mason Dining’s achievements through their ranking of the best allergen-friendly schools. In 2023, George Mason was ranked 56th. In 2024, the university climbed to the 8th slot.

Sodexo
Sodexo North America is part of a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in 45 countries. Sodexo specializes in sustainable food service and valued experiences, in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Additionally, the company indirectly supports additional jobs through its annual purchases of goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.

George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

For more information, contact Sofya Vetrova at sofya.vetrova@sodexo.com.

As we gear up for a brand-new semester, get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering culinary adventure like never before with Mason Dining! This fall, we’re unveiling a host of amazing changes that will take your campus dining experience to the next level. From fresh dining options to sustainability initiatives and fun events, we’ve got something for everyone!

Let’s dive into the top 10 updates to Mason Dining this fall:

#10: Additional Seating at Southside
Enjoy 150+ new seats at the Southside Dining Hall, designed for greater comfort and community vibes while you savor your meals. The new seating area promises a more enjoyable and comfortable environment for everyone.

#9: Mason Square’s New Venue – Mason Square Café
Patriots on the Mason Square campus, get ready for a fresh look at the Mason Square Café! Indulge in made-to-order options and unwind with build-your-own salads and “We Proudly Serve Starbucks” beverages. Whether you’re studying or on the go, this café will become your new hangout spot!

#8: Beverages Galore
Quench your thirst in style with our revamped beverage stations! Choose from an impressive array of beloved favorites and new intriguing flavors. Plus, we’re excited to introduce the Tractor Beverage Co., offering certified organic beverages. But it doesn’t stop there; Cocovibe’s low-sugar, low-sodium, high-potassium electrolyte drinks, made with only two ingredients: organic coconut water and organic fruit, are another great addition to the beverage line. And for coffee lovers, we’ve upgraded our machines to brew over 30 beverages, including hot cocoa and iced coffee. Sip, savor, and enjoy the world of flavors!

#7: Gold Rush is Now Simple Zone & Simple Servings Goes Sesame-Free + Halal Options!
Say hello to Simple Zone, your allergen-free pantry at Gold Rush (Gold Rush has been renamed to Simple Zone)! Enjoy meals free from gluten, tree nuts, and peanuts. And if you’re sensitive to sesame, don’t worry; Simple Servings now includes sesame-free options! Plus, we’re making sure there are always Halal options available at Simple Servings. Delicious and inclusive, that’s the way we roll!

#6: Meet The Difference Baker, NuVegan, Sweet Vegan, and Crave!
Get ready for a culinary explosion with these exciting additions! The Difference Baker specializes in allergen-free delights. NuVegan, an all-soul food vegan restaurant, will satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike. Sweet Vegan caters to your sweet tooth cravings. And for late-night munchies, Crave is your go-to spot! Time to explore a world of deliciousness!

#5: The Teaching Kitchen @ Mason
Calling all aspiring chefs! Join us in the Teaching Kitchen for interactive classes with culinary masters. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got something to elevate your cooking skills. Follow @mason_dining on social media or check out the dining halls for details on this exciting new feature.

#4: Crop Share Anyone?
Support local growers and join our crop share program! Partnering with Potomac Vegetable Farms, we’re offering the freshest produce the area has to offer. From bell peppers to root vegetables, it’s a delicious way to support local agriculture and enjoy mouthwatering dishes!

#3: Hunger Games…Willy Wonka…Seafood Boil…Events You’ll Need to Attend!
Get ready for a magical dining experience with themed events like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a mouthwatering Seafood Boil, and more! There’s something happening every day in the dining centers. Follow our passport game and join the fun!

#2: We Want to Hear From You!
Have a favorite dish? A suggestion to share? Text TellSouthside or TellIkes to 82257 and let your voice be heard! We’re all ears for your feedback, opinions, and even your love for Willy Wonka!

#1: The Spot – The Place for Plant Powered Dining!
Plant lovers, rejoice! The Spot is the ultimate destination for plant-powered dining. With a fresh, colorful look and a brand-new menu, it’s a sustainable and delicious haven. Satisfy your fruit and vegetable curiosity with a range of tantalizing options. The Spot is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.

With these amazing changes in store, Mason Dining is all set to make your campus dining experience extraordinary! We can’t wait to welcome you and serve up some unforgettable culinary moments. See you at the dining halls!

 

Students, faculty, and staff at George Mason University can now add their Mason Mobile ID to Apple Wallet and use their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device to seamlessly and securely access residence halls, offices, dining locations, and other campus facilities, as well as make contactless purchases on campus. Over 7,500 card readers throughout Mason’s multiple campuses have been upgraded to help enable this convenient, secure solution.

“Mason has been working hard to get us to a place to offer the Mason Mobile ID, and we are excited to bring this technology to campus,” said Danny Anthes, Director of Technology Services. “The Mason Mobile ID will enable more convenient access to on-campus spaces and amenities, as well as provide added security for students and staff.”

With Mason Mobile IDs, students can complete any action that would have previously required a physical ID card — both on and off campus — with just their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android devices. Students simply hold their device near a reader to gain access to campus facilities and resources such as transportation and the gym, entry to residence halls, and more.

“Keeping with innovation by transitioning to a secure mobile credential brings an enhanced, convenient experience to our students — all with the seamless technology they know and love! On a personal note, I’m looking forward to using my Apple Watch for entry into the office,” said Laura Callahan, Director of the Mason Card Office.

iPhone and Apple Watch users who enable Express Mode do not need to unlock or even wake up their device to use their Mason Mobile ID in Apple Wallet – they can simply tap and enter. If an iPhone needs to be charged, students can still use their device to access campus areas with automatic Power Reserve.

The move from physical cards to Mason Mobile ID on iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device allows for transactions that are safe, convenient, and secure, and helps students avoid handing their ID cards to someone else. Mason can also issue school IDs remotely without the need for students to request an Mason Mobile ID in-person, eliminating the need to print and mail physical cards and creating a safer, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly process.

“The new Mason Mobile ID program is a welcome advancement to my student experience at Mason,” stated junior, Zayd Hamid. “Speaking as someone who has frequented Piedmont Desk and the Card Office this semester for physical cards, this development is sure to bring down some of my replacement card costs that my friends and I always end up wracking up. Mason Mobile ID makes it easy and convenient for me to get around campus, and I’m grateful for OBS’ efforts to make this step forward to provide an accessible student ID option for the Mason student body.”

Mason is one of the first universities in Virginia to implement a Mason Mobile ID that can be seamlessly added to an Apple Wallet.

“The Mason Mobile ID will significantly enhance on-campus life by providing additional security and convenience to our Mason community,” said Patrick McCavitt, Interim Vice President of Operations and Business Services. “This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and we are very excited to roll this out.”

Mason Mobile ID on iPhone and Apple Watch – Secure and Private

Mason Mobile ID on iPhone and Apple Watch take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. If a student misplaces their iPhone or Apple Watch, they can use the Find My app to immediately lock their device and help locate it. Apple will not know when or where students are using their Mason Mobile ID on iPhone and Apple Watch, including locations accessed, what they buy with it, where they buy it, or how much they paid. Transaction history is never stored on Apple servers.

Operations and Business Services (OBS) is excited to bring this upgrade to the Mason community. For step-by-step instructions on how to enroll for your Mason Mobile ID, FAQs, or to learn more about the Mason Mobile ID program, visit: masonid.gmu.edu.

George Mason University (Mason) is thrilled to announce a momentous collaboration with The Difference Baker, marking a historic milestone in campus dining. The Difference Baker will be the first retail location on a college campus in the nation to offer a truly allergy-friendly experience, surpassing all expectations with its unparalleled dedication to allergen inclusivity. This innovative dining concept will be entirely free from seven of the top nine allergens, including fish, shellfish, soy, and sesame, setting a new standard for campus dining and catering to the diverse needs of its student community.

MenuTrinfo, a dedicated company providing allergen and nutritional information, as well as employee training and certification, applauds this progressive initiative in ensuring safe food service for the community. “Understanding clearly how to serve safe food in an independent retail store was a win for the food allergy community,” said Betsy Craig, President and CEO of MenuTrinfo. Craig went on to commend The Difference Baker for being an early adopter of the Certified Free From™️ accreditation. “Adding this to a wonderful campus dining service like George Mason University is truly groundbreaking and forward-thinking for the community,” Craig said.

 

 

The Difference Baker has a proven commitment to catering to various dietary requirements, and its new location on George Mason’s campus will be its second. Situated in the Nguyen Engineering Building, this new allergen-friendly retail concept represents an exciting partnership between George Mason University and The Difference Baker, driven by a shared vision of promoting inclusivity, innovation, and supporting the well-being of all Mason students.

“We could not be more honored to partner with the Mason Dining/Sodexo team at George Mason University,” said the owner of The Difference Baker, Alyssa Sobecki. “It is truly a dream come true. We are so excited to spread our love through allergen-friendly and safe food for those that can’t live without it!”

While some universities have introduced allergen-friendly initiatives, George Mason University’s commitment to excellence goes beyond, making it the first of its kind in the nation to offer this level of allergen inclusivity.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with The Difference Baker in pioneering this groundbreaking allergen-friendly retail concept,” stated Pascal Petter, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services at George Mason University. “Our goal is to provide a truly safe, innovative, and inclusive dining experience for all students. We recognize the significance of catering to a wide range of dietary needs and are proud to lead the way in this aspect of campus dining.”

Mason Dining/Sodexo has always strived to provide the highest quality dining experiences for their diverse community. The addition of The Difference Baker’s certified allergen-friendly retail concept reaffirms a commitment to excellence, well-being, and inclusivity. Mason believes that this innovative collaboration will elevate the campus dining experience and solidify the university’s position as a national leader in accommodating students with dietary restrictions.

The grand opening of The Difference Baker’s second location at Mason is an extraordinary milestone, symbolizing a landmark achievement in campus dining nationwide.

“We are delighted to embark on this historic journey alongside The Difference Baker, a shining example of our commitment to providing an unparalleled dining experience at George Mason University,” said Sodexo’s Vice President of Operations, John Teeple. “Sodexo takes immense pride in fostering innovation and inclusivity in campus dining, and this trailblazing collaboration reinforces our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our student community.”

The introduction of this unprecedented allergen-friendly retail concept sets a new benchmark for other universities to follow and underscores a dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

For more information about George Mason University’s commitment to allergen-friendly dining and The Difference Baker’s certified menu, please visit dining.gmu.edu.