Welcome to Zag Dining Nutrition!

Sodexo is a quality of life company that is dedicated to addressing nutrition education across all areas of our business in a manner that fully aligns with the goals of Gonzaga University. To Sodexo, nutrition education plays a huge role in creating a positive food culture that goes beyond individual nutrition counseling and presentations. Nutrition education also includes staff training, menu development, diverse food offerings that appeal to different food cultures, and sustainability efforts. To ensure that nutrition education efforts continue to be, we have an on-site Registered Dietitian and Nutrition & Well-Being Manager to help guide these initiatives.

Meet Your Dietitian

Welcome! My name is Hayden Thrasher and I am the on-site Registered Dietitian and Health & Well-Being Manager for Zag Dining. My food philosophy is a non-diet, “all foods fit” approach to nutrition and health.  I help individuals connect with their own body wisdom vs. promoting restrictive and diet-based eating behaviors.  This non-diet approach is a shift from the conventional weight focused paradigm, and it allows individuals to create flexible, joyful eating habits, and cultivate a peaceful relationship with their bodies.  This approach is inclusive and respectful of all body types as well as ethical and evidence-based.

Individual Nutrition Counseling

I am available as a free resource for dietary and individual nutrition counseling needs. Students seek these services for a variety of reasons including:

  • Managing food allergies, celiac disease and diabetes
  • Intuitive Eating/Mindful Eating Support
  • Disordered Eating Patterns
  • Vegan and Vegetarian nutrition

Menu Development, Stations and Labeling

Menu planning is considerate of nutrition factors, dietary needs and preferences. This includes ongoing training for Vegan, Simple Servings and My Zone platforms. The "Big-8" allergens information will continue to be available and displayed at residential dining stations.

  • Vegan and vegetarian options are available in resident dining locations
  • Vegetarian items contain no meat, fish or poultry, or any meat products such as soup base. Our vegetarian offerings meet the needs of lacto-ovo-vegetarians and may include eggs and/or dairy products
  • Vegan offerings contain no meat, fish, eggs, milk or other animal-derived products such as honey

Simple Servings is an award-winning, allergen-friendly, platform that offers fresh and flavorful foods prepared free of gluten, wheat, soy, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and soy. This station uses separate preparation spaces and cooking equipment to minimize the risk of cross-contact. The recipes taste great and are prepared simply; so many students without allergies enjoy them. This allows for students with allergies to have an inclusive eating experience where they can socialize with their friends without feeling isolated.

This is a gluten, peanut and tree nut FREE station located in the COG to further accommodate students with nut allergies, gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease. This station is strategically placed separately from gluten-containing products and has a dedicated toaster and refrigerator.

Food Allergies and Preferences

Our team members have a strong passion for being knowledgeable about food allergies and taking care of guests with special dietary needs. All culinary supervisors and managers complete a certified Allergy Training Program, AllerTrainU when hired and recertify every five years. Culinary staff also receive allergy and nutrition reinforcement training twice per year.

A team approach led by you, our educated consumer, is the best preparation for a safe school year free of allergic reactions. If you have a food allergy or special dietary concern, we want to meet one-on-one to ensure that your dining experience is safe, delicious, and social. Please call or email our on-site Dietitian to set up a consultation.

Contact: Hayden Thrasher 
Phone: 509-313-6900
E-mail: Hayden.Thrasher@sodexo.com

Additional Resources

Here you will find some information that will help you understand The Importance of Dining in the Community thereby increasing the understanding of why Gonzaga requires all students to have a meal plan during their first 2 years at the University. However, we understand that there are circumstances that may validate a review of this requirement. Please visit here for more information.

If you are requesting disability accommodations for your meal plan or the dining service facilities, we invite you to complete the process for acquiring accommodations with Disability Access Office. Please Contact Disability Access at (509) 313-4134 or visit Disability Access - Process for Securing Accommodations to start this process.