For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 8, 2025
Gluten-free menu added to cafe options
Fennimore -
Starting this week, students, staff, and visitors at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College have new reasons to stop by the Chargers Café. The college is launching a gluten-free menu designed to better serve the diverse dietary needs of its community.
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, consuming it can cause serious health challenges. Responding to increasing requests for safe alternatives, Southwest Tech has expanded beyond the traditional salad bar to offer a variety of gluten-free items prepared with care.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve had more and more inquiries about gluten-free options,” said Christina Hill, dining services manager and lead chef at Southwest Tech. “We felt it was time to take this step. We’re excited to provide choices that let everyone feel comfortable and included.”
The new offerings include gluten-free cookies, brownies, and pasta dishes, along with sauces, grilled chicken seasoned with Montreal spice blend, and even meatballs—all crafted to be safe and delicious. Gluten-free bakery items will be available in a dedicated Grab and Go section, clearly marked with purple tags so customers can easily identify them. For pasta dishes and hot entrées, diners will be able to select gluten-free options directly when ordering online.
Preparing gluten-free food safely is no small task. The culinary team has implemented strict practices to prevent cross-contamination, from using separate prep areas marked with purple signage to dedicating utensils, cutting boards, and cookware exclusively for gluten-free dishes. Staff even go as far as changing aprons or clothes before preparing gluten-free items to ensure the highest standards of food safety.
“It’s a more detailed process, but worth it,” Hill explained. “If someone wants to stop by and see how we handle things, I’d be glad to show them behind the scenes. We want our students and staff to feel confident about what they’re eating here.”
The gluten-free menu officially launched Sept. 8, and will continue to grow based on student and staff feedback.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |