Tracy Winters, the food safety coordinator for UGA’s Dining Services, plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety across campus dining facilities. With a strong background in culinary arts and a passion for ensuring safe dining experiences, Winters oversees regular inspections, staff training, and health code compliance. Her dedication to food safety not only ensures that thousands of students and staff can enjoy their meals but also builds trust within the community. Winters emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs, including allergens, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Halal options. Through her efforts, she aims to create an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Winters' journey into food safety began with her love for cooking. After graduating from culinary school, she started as a cook at Snelling Dining Commons in 2011. Following a brief hiatus, she returned to UGA and held various roles, including assistant manager at Einstein Bros. Bagels and managing a retail dining location at Terry College’s Business Learning Community. When the opportunity arose to become the food safety coordinator, she saw it as a chance to combine her culinary expertise with a new challenge. Over the past three years, Winters has obtained her food safety professional certification and has been instrumental in shaping the dining experience at UGA.

A key part of Winters' role involves training new employees on the importance of food safety. She conducts orientation sessions, introducing them to the critical aspects of working in professional kitchens. This includes two comprehensive training modules—one focused on general food safety practices and another specifically addressing allergen management. Winters also provides hands-on training in the kitchen, ensuring that staff members are well-prepared to handle any situation. Additionally, she monitors for product recalls and conducts mock inspections to ensure all dining locations adhere to strict health codes. From checking labels to monitoring refrigeration temperatures, Winters leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of excellence.

Recognizing the diversity of the UGA community, Winters and her team take special care to accommodate various dietary needs. They strictly monitor for allergens and offer clear labeling for dishes containing any of the "Big 9" allergens. The use of a purple scheme in the kitchens helps identify allergen-free items, ensuring that individuals with specific dietary restrictions can dine safely. Whether serving students with compromised immune systems or catering to children, elderly patrons, or those with special diets, Winters ensures that everyone is considered in the dining experience.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Winters enjoys baking in her personal time. From breads to chocolate mousse cakes, she finds joy in the fast-paced and creative process of preparing food for loved ones. Family gatherings often revolve around shared meals, reinforcing her belief in the power of food to bring people together. As she works toward a degree in public health, Winters remains committed to making a positive impact in her role. For many students, UGA’s dining services provide essential meals, and Winters takes great pride in ensuring that every meal served is safe and trustworthy.