GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Arizona State University Tempe Campus

Tempe

Arizona

Colleges

Survey Date:

Oct 8, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Recent Grad

With:

Egg Allergy, Milk Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A-

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

It is clear that ASU has made adjustments and improvements with their true balance stations, allergy captains, and work with Allergy Voyage to provide more resources to students on campus. However, timing is a struggle for allergic students moving between classes.

Phoenix / Tempe has a handful of restaurants like Picazzo's and Nami that are well-known for handling dietary restrictions, though it can be difficult to reach these places if you are a student without a vehicle.

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

5+

If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Not Very: Usually do not know if exposed

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

I had my first anaphylactic reaction at ten months old and was diagnosed with EOE at four years old. When I was younger, I was allergic to more than I am now, including a gluten allergy. I currently carry an Auvi-Q with me at all times for dairy, pistachio, cashew, egg, and red meat allergies!

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Mostly what I expected

Have you had a reation from eating in your dining hall?

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes, before attending ASU I met with the on-campus dietitian to grow a better understanding of the offerings the school provided and how to feel safe in the Barrett dining hall.

Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe

Yes, an on-campus dietician, allergy captains, Allergy Voyage, and open-minded staff.

If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?

I would make allergen / ingredient information more accessible, requiring students who indicate they have dietary restrictions to either meet with the dietician or do a tour of dining halls that includes a discussion with relevant chefs.

Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it

My biggest challenge was navigating living in a dorm room with three other students who didn't have dietary restrictions. I dealt with it by being open with them, discussing what difficulties I had, having my own cabinets and storage!

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations

I tried my best to not let my restrictions entirely shape my decisions with college. Touring was very important for me, as it helped me feel more comfortable with my decisions! The dorm situation is difficult, as you truly never know what situation you will run into. I would recommend finding a living situation where you can at least cook and prepare your own food!

Dining Halls:

Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?

Barrett for the most part was the best experience I had in a dining hall - there was always at least one thing I could enjoy, with occasional sponsors appearing with allergy-friendly food.

Meal Plans:

Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?

When I was a freshman, the meal plan was mandatory for the first year, though exceptions could be made for some students upon request. I saw enough opportunity within the dining halls that I had a meal plan for the first year and used it when I could. Meals swipes can also be used at P. O. D. markets to purchase premade food, or packaged snacks!

Dorms:

Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

My advice would be to use whatever resources are available to you! There are some community spaces, but in Barrett specifically, you do get some kitchen appliances your freshman year.

Getting Started:

What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?

I would 100% look into the available resources and take a tour if possible. With ASU specifically, definitely talk to the on-campus dietitian, and discover what plan works best for you.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

I am a huge planner, so I always would take charge of managing these things. Whether it is selecting the restaurant you will meet your friends at, or planning the theme for the dinner party, taking charge and ensuring that people are aware of your dietary needs is important!

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

I think that one of the best pieces of advice for incoming students with dietary restrictions is to keep an open mind while establishing a network of resources around you. Your family, friends, and university all have support for you, and it will help ease your stress if you are able to set a foundation of resources for yourself to lean on!

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Arizona State University Tempe Campus

Tempe

Arizona

Survey Date:

Oct 8, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Recent Grad

With:

Egg Allergy, Milk Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A-

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

5+

If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Not Very: Usually do not know if exposed

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

I had my first anaphylactic reaction at ten months old and was diagnosed with EOE at four years old. When I was younger, I was allergic to more than I am now, including a gluten allergy. I currently carry an Auvi-Q with me at all times for dairy, pistachio, cashew, egg, and red meat allergies!

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Mostly what I expected

Have you had a reation from eating in your dining hall?

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

​

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes, before attending ASU I met with the on-campus dietitian to grow a better understanding of the offerings the school provided and how to feel safe in the Barrett dining hall.

Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe

Yes, an on-campus dietician, allergy captains, Allergy Voyage, and open-minded staff.

If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?

I would make allergen / ingredient information more accessible, requiring students who indicate they have dietary restrictions to either meet with the dietician or do a tour of dining halls that includes a discussion with relevant chefs.

Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it

My biggest challenge was navigating living in a dorm room with three other students who didn't have dietary restrictions. I dealt with it by being open with them, discussing what difficulties I had, having my own cabinets and storage!

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations

Dining Halls:

Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?

Barrett for the most part was the best experience I had in a dining hall - there was always at least one thing I could enjoy, with occasional sponsors appearing with allergy-friendly food.

Meal Plans:

Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?

Dorms:

Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

My advice would be to use whatever resources are available to you! There are some community spaces, but in Barrett specifically, you do get some kitchen appliances your freshman year.

Getting Started:

What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?

I would 100% look into the available resources and take a tour if possible. With ASU specifically, definitely talk to the on-campus dietitian, and discover what plan works best for you.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

I am a huge planner, so I always would take charge of managing these things. Whether it is selecting the restaurant you will meet your friends at, or planning the theme for the dinner party, taking charge and ensuring that people are aware of your dietary needs is important!

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Meal Plans: