Harpeth Hall one of only six organizations nationally to earn gold food allergen safety rating

By Claiborne Fowler '19

The dining hall is an integral part of the Harpeth Hall experience as it feeds the bright minds of its students.

Year after year, students rave about the lunches created by the SAGE staff.

In 2023, those lunches got another gold star.

Harpeth Hall, in partnership with SAGE Dining Services, received the FARECheck Gold certification in March — the highest of the organization's three levels of food safety training.

Harpeth Hall is the sixth organization in the country — and the first 5th-12th grade school — to achieve this impressive status. The others are four universities and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

SAGE Dining first partnered with Harpeth Hall in 2017, and the dining hall staff is beloved by students as it prepares all-time favorites from nachos to bubble tea, always served up with a smile. SAGE has a long-standing allergen management program that includes comprehensive food allergen training for its team members, thorough ingredient lists and labels, nut-free and open-kitchen policies, and an allergen filter that allows students and families to filter menus for the 12 most common allergens.

Harpeth Hall has taken tremendous steps in partnering with SAGE to ensure the health and well-being of its students, helping those with allergies feel included in the lunch line so they can enjoy delicious food and community without worrying about their safety.

FARECheck is a rigorous food allergen safety and compliance audit for food service professionals, certified by the nation’s leading nonprofit engaged in food allergy advocacy, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Harpeth Hall’s FARECheck Gold certification is the highest recognition of food safety training.

“We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner with FARE to achieve FARECheck Gold status at Harpeth Hall,” said Lesley Vogel, vice president of food and nutrition at SAGE. “I’m especially proud of the on-site team who works hard every day to ensure we’re doing all we can to keep students with food allergies safe and included.”

In addition to the safety rating, the 2022-2023 school year also debuted an impressive refresh of Harpeth Hall dining facility, which offers an array of enticing options, including hot food selections, a salad bar, and a deli bar with a dedicated gluten-free station. The space is bright, fresh, and inviting, providing students with an enjoyable place to gather with classmates and savor a delicious meal.

Harpeth Hall’s dedication to prioritizing safety, fostering community, and promoting inclusivity is epitomized by the FARECheck Gold certification that demonstrates the school's commitment to reducing risks associated with accidental exposure to food allergens.