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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for
college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Calvin University
Grand Rapids
Michigan
Survey Date:
Dec 12, 2024
Survey 1 of 1
Student:
Recent Grad
With:
Gluten Intolerance, Milk Allergy, Other
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
C
Surrounding Area:
A+
Rationale for Grades Given
I could eat enough to feel full, but I was lacking protein and flavor. Sometimes they had gluten-free pasta noodles at the allergy Zone but they never provided any sauce. There would be plain meat and plain noodles. So I would eat neither and go for a salad. As you can imagine I was very tired of eating the same salad with veggies, chickpeas and the single dairy-free dressing they provided
I was within a mile of Trader joes and Fresh thyme. I had 2 meijer stores within 5 miles as well. Core Life was also about a mile away, and so were some smoothie shops.
Details About this Student's Food Restrictions
How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?
3-5
If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?
Very: React to small amounts
Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)
I get really bad stomach pains and body aches when I eat gluten. Dairy causes digestive distress, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Meat causes gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Details About this Student's College Dining Experience
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?
Mostly not 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
Foods were mislabeled and contained gluten and dairy when those allergens were not listed. I told them they needed to list the allergens, and they said they always do, and pointed at the lists. They were very uneducated and it felt like they were always trying to tell me I was wrong.
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
No. I did not know that was a thing.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There was a place called "the zone" which was supposedly allergen free, but I saw them serving barley, eggs, and dairy products on multiple occasions.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
I would make actual allergen friendly foods. I would have gluten free pizza with dairy free cheese available. I would always have gluten free and vegan options for the many people with combined gluten and dairy, or gluten and egg sensitivities. I would rotate the menu and make sure the foods were prepared in a safe and separate kitchen. I would never serve other foods where the safe foods were served. I would also have someone checking in the students with allergies into the safe area. There were too many times where I never got gf bread or df yogurt because all the normal people took it "to go" because it was individually packaged. I graduated, so i do not think they would be open to my suggestions
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Having enough food...real food. Not just dry gf bagels and lettuce. Having combined food intolerances is not something others think about. I canceled my dining plan and got my car on campus so I could drive to the grocery store and cook for myself.
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?
If you can get the dining hall early, do it. If you can't, ask a close friend to check what the dining hall is serving, so you're prepared. Keep snacks in your bag at all times. Don't feel like you're being a nuisance if you ask what's in something. It's the dining service's job to tell you.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
You must have a meal plan if you live in the dorms. My first year, I started on the plan that provided 19 meals a week, then I lowered it to 13/week. Go lower and just go to meals your friends are going to. The dining halls are for socializing.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Have a mini fridge if you can. Utilize the dorm kitchen, but bring your own cookware. Buy oats, cinnamon, and raisins. It'll last you a while and comes in handy for a quick breakfast or even dinner. Protein bars really helped me too.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
See what dining services provides for food sensitivities and allergies.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Good friends will always ask if you can eat anything at the place they suggest. But if they really want to go somewhere you can't eat, take your own food and if restaurant staff have a problem, tell them you have a medical condition and they should let you be.
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
I went to college during covid so that made my dining experience pretty tragic
Meal Plans:
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