Stops include universities and hospitals; led by vegan food specialist, TV host, and cookbook author Chef Dustin Harder
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization with more than 17,000 doctor members, recently launched Universal Meals, a new plant-based food program free of the top nine allergens. The program, including recipes and instruction, is being offered at no cost to colleges and universities, as well as hospitals, prisons, and schools. A fall tour featuring dining hall pop-ups with tablings, and chef’s specials will start on Oct. 4 at North Carolina State University and continue through November.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, to launch the tour details, Chef Dustin Harder will open the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine in Washington, D.C., with a presentation on the topics of rationale (why Universal Meals is so important), the design of Universal Meals, how to turn guidelines into meals, and the application and future of Universal Meals. Joining him to further expand on the program will be registered dietician Lillian Correa from NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue and Chef David Kamen from the Culinary Institute of America.
A new and innovative concept, Universal Meals recipes are free of the top nine allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, sesame, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, and peanuts) and do not contain animal-derived ingredients, gluten-containing grains, or alcohol.
Commenting on the program and tour, Chef Dustin Harder stated, “The timing is perfect to take Universal Meals out on the road to engage institutions in the benefits of offering recipes for their diners that create a seat for everyone at the table. It just so happens the recipes are affordable, accessible, and delicious too!”
More people than ever have a specific diet due to health reasons, environmental or humane concerns, allergies, or cultural or religious traditions. The free Universal Meals program was created to meet these needs. Universal Meals was designed for both the kitchen and the consumer. The program is made for schools and colleges, hotels and businesses, airports, hospitals and long-term care facilities, restaurants, and others.
Universal Meals includes
1. Recipes developed by the Culinary Institute of America, Spork Foods, Inc., and Dustin Harder, designed to appeal to virtually everyone, regardless of their dietary requirements.
2. Tips on how to adapt your kitchen’s current offerings to become Universal Meals.
3. Gorgeous recipe photos that are compatible for digital and print use.
4. Free marketing materials to advertise Universal Meals to your clientele.
Tasting Highlights at International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
- Mac and Cheese with Presto Pesto and Shiitake Bacon, Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala, Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread, Rainbow Crunch Salad with Quinoa and Chickpea Croutons, Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Sunflower Dill Sauce, BBQ Jackfruit and Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Crema, Granola and Yogurt Parfaits, Chocolate Chunk Sea Salt Cookies, and Pineapple Basil Sorbet
- Other items will be peppered throughout the weekend, including Veggie Quiche with Beetroot Ketchup, Mexican Sweet Potato Hash, Baked Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins, Nasi Goreng, Blueberry Crumble Muffins, Banana Bread, and Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
Universal Meals Tour Dates
- 10/4 – 6 / Raleigh, NC / North Carolina State University
- 10/26 – 27 / Miami, FL / University of Miami
- 11/7 – 8 / Atlanta, GA / Georgia State College
- 11/10 / Atlanta, GA / Emory University Hospital
- 11/16 / Pullman, WA / Washington State University
- 11/29 / South Bend, IN / Notre Dame University
About the Physicians Committee
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research.
About Chef Dustin Harder
Chef Dustin Harder, who has appeared on TV’s Food Network and in his own web series, “The Vegan Roadie,” helped develop Universal Meals recipes. He is the author of several cookbooks, including The Simply Vegan Cookbook, a Forbes “best cookbooks,” and will be on hand to share information about the program and offer free tastings of a main dish and dessert. Chef Harder is a culinary specialist with the Physicians Committee.
To learn more visit: https://www.pcrm.org/universalmeals
