Celiac College Student Survey submitted April, 2019

Food Service Vendor

Vanderbilt Campus Dining

What stage are you in college?

Sophomore

Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far. Include if your school required any of these decisions. If you are eating in a greek house or other club type arrangement include that as well.

Freshman are on the freshman meal plan with 21 meals a week. As a sophomore, you have the option of either 14 or 19 meals per week. These are both required

How many years ago were you diagnosed with celiac?3-5How sensitive to gluten are you?

Extremely: React to even small traces

How would you describe the worst reaction you have had since diagnosis?Really bad

Does your college handle celiac food restrictions as you expected they would when you selected your school?

Mostly what I expected

Grade your college on feeding celiac students

A+

Explain your rationale for that grade

Students can be on the allergy program where we can pre order gluten free meals that are made without cross contamination by allergy trained chefs. We have gluten free fridges with breads, condiments, salad dressings, and desserts. We also have a gluten free cafe on campus called 2301.

Check all that apply

My school is medium sized and has a fair amount of dining halls, Ability to feed me is pretty consistent across dining halls, I feel comfortable eating at any dining hall on campus, I frequent certain dining halls because they have more options although all are safe, I have great options at all of the dining halls, Ability to eat well was a critical part of my college selection process

Did you register with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.

Yes to be on the allergy program students must register with a documented case of celiac with disability services.

Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? Describe

We have a student allergy advisory council, a nutritionist, and all of the chefs and managers are allergy trained.

How many times have you been glutenized in your dining hall?

NONE

Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it

I’m very lucky that I truly don’t have many challenges! Anxiety in general with eating was one, but we use Nima sensors on campus now, and that has really helped to eliminate it.

If you were in charge of your school's dining, what changes would you implement to better feed celiac students? Would your school be open to these suggestions?

The student allergy advisory council has implemented a number of suggestions such as using nima sensors and having gluten free dessert. As of now, there is nothing I can think of to implement that we don’t already do. Vanderbilt is extremely open to suggestions!

Did celiac impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for celiacs? Why?

Students with Celiac can either room alone or with a roommate. I chose to live alone, but there is no specific housing for celiacs I would recommend.

Your advice to new celiac kids for managing the dining halls? Favorite dining hall(s)?

The allergy program might sound overwhelming at first, but it is a life saver! The four main dining halls are all equally wonderful, and the chefs will really work with you to make your favorites!

Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

Hopdoddy burgers is by the freshman campus and accepts Vanderbilt commodore cash and is celiac safe! I would get a microwave and a fridge for your dorm and always keep things like boxed soup for meals and then just general snacks like popcorn and fruit

Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?

I would register with disability services first and attend the allergy meeting before school starts. On arrival I would make sure to ask questions if you have any and utilize the ordering system

Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?

I truly don’t party so I just manage by avoidance

Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness

A-

Favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?

Mangia - gluten free Italian!

Anything else you would like to add?

Vanderbilt is truly wonderful! I promise you will be safe and well fed here! :)