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��������Ƶ is committed to ensuring the safety, quality and consistency of all food and beverage services provided on campus. As part of this commitment, the University maintains an exclusive contractual relationship with ��������Ƶ Dining Services (BUDS), the official campus dining partner. 

Under this agreement, BUDS retains the exclusive right to provide all food and beverages served on properties owned and leased by the University.

To support this exclusivity, BUDS is granted the first right of refusal for any event or gathering involving food that exceeds a total cost of $300. This means that, before any off-campus vendors or alternate food sources can be considered, BUDS must first be offered the opportunity to fulfill the request. Only if BUDS is unable to accommodate the specific needs of the event, or if an exception is deemed in the best interest of the University—may a waiver be granted to permit the use of an external provider.

1. Why does ��������Ƶ have a food policy on campus?
   The food policy helps ensure that all food served on campus is safe, high quality and follows health regulations. It also makes sure the University meets its contractual obligations with BUDS, the official campus dining provider. Overall, the policy protects the campus community and supports smooth, safe event planning.
2. Can I bring food or beverages from off-campus to ��������Ƶ?
   Yes, you may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages from off-campus, provided they are for your own individual consumption. This means snacks, meals, or drinks you’ve purchased elsewhere are fine as long as you’re not serving or distributing them to others at an event or gathering.
3. What role does BUDS play in the ��������Ƶ Food Policy?
   BUDS is the exclusive provider of food and beverages on campus. Their role includes:
   - Ensuring food safety and quality across campus
   - Catering University events, unless a waiver is granted
   - Reviewing and approving requests to use outside food vendors
   - Providing support for specialty or cultural food events
   - Overseeing use of on-campus kitchens and food prep facilities
4. What types of food are allowed during public tabling events on campus?During public tabling events, only pre-packaged or low-risk food items are allowed, including:
   - Packaged snacks (chips, candy, granola bars)
   - Whole fruit
   - Non-cream-filled baked goods (like muffins or cookies)
   - Bottled or canned drinks
   Low-risk foods are items that do not require refrigeration or special temperature holding, such as candy, chips, cookies, and fruit. More information can be found on the .
   If you plan to serve homemade baked goods, they must be clearly labeled with the following signs:
   - "This food has been home-prepared and has not been inspected."
   - Any item served that contains milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, sesame or shellfish, an 8.5 x 11 or larger sign must be displayed
5. Can I use an off-campus food vendor to supply food at an event on campus?
   Off-campus food vendors can be used in special cases, such as when BUDS is unable to provide the required service, or when supporting a local business is in the University’s best interest. Requests to use an off-campus vendor must be submitted through the  if the total food and beverage costs for the event exceed $300.
6. Are food trucks allowed on campus?
   Non-affiliated food trucks are generally not allowed, except for specific University events like Spring Fling and University Fest. There are three food trucks on campus. If you are interested in reserving a food truck for your event, you can complete the reservation form, .
7. Can I host a cultural or specialty food event on campus?
   Yes, recognized University organizations and individuals can host cultural or specialty food events using on-campus kitchen facilities or a pre-authorized food provider, provided they follow the necessary procedures and submit a request through the . If you plan to reserve an on-campus kitchen facility, ingredients must be procured through BUDS and some fees may be applied.
8. Are there any restrictions on food at public outdoor events?
   Yes, public outdoor events that involve food preparation outside of residence halls or dining halls must be approved by BUDS and meet food handling and safety requirements. A request to host such an event must be submitted via the .
9. Can University employees or student groups provide food for office or group gatherings?
   Yes, University employees or student organizations can provide food for gatherings of 30 people or less for sharing within their department or organization, as long as food safety guidelines are followed and all necessary paperwork is completed. Requests should be submitted at least 10 business days before the event via the . Specific signage is required for the event, including allergen signs and “this food has been home-prepared and has not been inspected” declaration signs.
10. Do social gatherings in residential halls require approval for food?
    Social gatherings or events in residential halls that are part of Residential Life programming may be exempt from the requirement to use BUDS. However, event planners must request use of space at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the event. Once the space is approved, planners must follow the criteria listed in Appendix A.6 of the Food Policy. Food costs must fall under $300 threshold or BUDS must be given the first right of refusal.
11. What happens if I violate the food policy?
    Violations of the food policy are taken seriously. Non-compliance may result in the revocation of privileges and possible referral to the appropriate department for review. For students, disciplinary actions may be taken under the Code of Student Conduct. For staff, non-compliance may be reported to Human Resources and the Business Office. Event planners assume full responsibility for food safety and adherence to the food policy.
12. Do I need special permission to serve food at a University event?
    If you are serving a group and/or the food costs exceed $300, you need to request permission to serve food through the . All requests should be submitted at least 10 business days before the event.
13. Can I use an on-campus kitchen to prepare food for my event?
    Yes, as long as you follow the correct procedures, meet food safety standards, and submit the necessary information through the  at least 15 business days before the event. Requests cannot interfere with BUDS normal operations. Some fees may be applied for suppliers, supervision and cleaning.
14. How do I request permission to use a kitchen facility on campus?
    To request permission, complete a and submit it at least 15 business days before your event through the Food Policy Portal (LINK).
15. What do I need to know about food allergies when hosting an event?
    Regardless of where the food comes from, food served at an event on campus must display a sign indicating whether the item contains any of the nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat and soy. You can access the allergen sign template, here.
16. What are my responsibilities as an event coordinator when planning an event with food on campus not supplied by BUDS?
    The event planner is responsible for ensuring full compliance with the Food Policy, including: (1) submitting all required requests on time, (2) adhering to food safety standards, (3) maintaining a clean and sanitary environment and (4) properly labeling all food products.
17. Is there a list of pre-authorized off-campus vendors?
    If you are requesting to use an off-campus food provider for an event, we suggest using a vendor on the pre-authorized food provider list which is available on the . A pre-authorized food provider has collaborated with the University and understands the expectations of the food policy and all required documentation has been provided. This will expedite your planning.
18. Is there any information available on how to use a food thermometer to effectively ensure food safety?
    If your event involves food service lasting longer than two hours, please refer to the Food Safety Temperature Recording Guide for step-by-step instructions on accurately completing the Food Safety Temperature Recording Chart.
    If you require a thermometer, you can borrow one from the following locations:
    - Auxiliary Services – 2nd Floor, Couper Administrative Building (Room 245)
    - University Union Guest Services

This FAQ guide aims to help you navigate food-related policies and procedures. Please adhere to all guidelines outlined in the full Food Policy to ensure a safe and successful event. For questions or concerns, please contact Auxiliary Services at auxserv@binghamton.edu.