All events within the Nebraska Unions and Willa Cather Dining Complex where food is served are required to use the approved, exclusive caterer. No outside food, beverages, or potlucks are allowed except for beverages provided through the Pepsi Experience Fund and food brought in for individual/personal consumption.
Any University Department/Organization or Recognized Student Organization may request an exemption to this policy based on cultural, religious, or ethnic menus. Exemption requests must be submitted at least 21 (twenty-one) business days prior to the event date. Requests will be reviewed and approved/denied by the Director of Dining Services. If approved, the food vendor must be on the UNL Approved Food Vendor list. Vendors will not have access to kitchen or prep space in Student Life facilities. Co-Sponsor/Affiliate and Non-University groups are not eligible to apply for the exemption request.
Special Food/Beverage Exceptions:
University Departments/Organizations, Co-Sponsor/Affiliate, and Non-University groups planning events with a count of 30 or less where food/beverages are served, will not be required to use the exclusive caterer as long as they follow the below requirements.
University Departments/Organizations, Co-Sponsor/Affiliate, and Non-University groups not using the exclusive caterer must:
- Have prior approval from the Nebraska Unions Reservations Office.
- Provide food that has been donated or purchased through an approved food vendor (https://bf.unl.edu/policies/university-wide-food-policy). No homemade food/beverages.
- Have food delivered to the loading dock or one of the building entrances and have group members take the items from the entrance to the assigned room. Vendors cannot bring the food into the building, setup, or serve the food.
- The UNL Department/Organization, Co-Sponsor/Affiliate, or Non-University group will be responsible for all the cleanup of the space at the conclusion of the event. (See Additional Charges and Fees)
- Cold beverages must be Pepsi products, this includes bottled water.
- Hot beverages must be served from insulated containers or “to go” containers prepared by an approved food vendor.
Failure to follow the Catering and Food Policy will result in a fee. (See Additional Charges and Fees)
Recognized Student Organizations Bake Sales
Any Recognized Student Organization wanting to have a bake sale, must complete an EPR (Event Planning Registration) and follow the University Wide Food Policy section on bake sales.