GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Caldwell University

Caldwell

New Jersey

Colleges

Survey Date:

Dec 27, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B+

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

The food is safe, there are just limited options. I'm so tired of chicken. Plus, I'm not considered in special events like Christmas cookies, special desserts, themed dining nights etc. Plus...on weekends, I've struggled many times to find any gluten free food at all. One Saturday evening my only option at all was rice. Just rice.

Lots of options, just not always a dedicated prep space to prevent cross contamination

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?

Extremely: React to even small traces

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

I am gluten free and lactose intolerant. I also have Abdominal migraines with Cyclic Vomiting that can exacerbate a celiac reaction. I react to any cross contamination, even something as simple as someone touching regular bread then touching my food. A typical reaction might start with nausea, but can extend to Vomiting, headaches, joint aches, rash, diarrhea, chills, night sweats, and extreme fatigue.

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?

YES

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

The disability office and all of my professors go above and beyond to ensure my educational needs are met even when I can't attend class due to a reaction

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

Yes. I have my own disabilities coordinator who arranged a 504 type educational plan, private room and is my lesson for dining as well. I meet with her several times throughout the semester to update my progress

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

Yes. Allergen station with a 8 free zone. Everything is clearly labeled and the dining hall supervisor gave me his direct phone and email

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

Offer more variety. Be mindful of your allergy students during special events...we also like cake and Christmas cookies!

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

I'm a student Athlete...so I do find it difficult to find enough to eat to maintain my level of activity. There's just not enough variety and the focus seems to be more on vegan diets than just gluten free. Some of us already feel deprived without having to sacrifice what taste is left in our food. Cauliflower can't be the main source of everything

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

I have a private room and bath

Dining Halls:

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

We only have one. I go to a very small school

Meal Plans:

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

A full meal plan is mandatory unless you have an apartment

Dorms:

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

There are several places that deliver, but my campus is also within walking distance of several places to eat, including a grocery. My mom had snacks set up on Amazon for delivery. So far...my favorite snacks are gf Pho bowls and Katz anything

Getting Started:

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

First thing...meat with the disability office and dining hall director(s). You will know pretty quickly how seriously they will take your disability (not everyone sees celiac as a disability despite it being protected by the ADA), and what accommodations they are, and are not willing to make. I actually had verbally committed to another school before Caldwell and withdrew my committed after seeing how little the school offered in accommodations. Always find out what they are willing to do before you decide on a school. Your health depends on it

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Always know what's available that's safe for you to eat. Do your research about restaurants etc in the area. I don't eat at parties. I take a snack with me or eat before I go.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

No

Meal Plans: