GFF College Dining Survey submitted December 2022

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

C-

Explain your rationale for that grade

There are no options in dining halls besides potentially contaminated vegetables. The only food available is prepackaged and is not available through a meal plan.

What stage are you in college?

Freshman

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

Less than 1

Please use this space to provide details that would help us better understand your food restrictions. Include your reaction if exposed to the foods you are avoiding. Please mention if you carry an epi-pen.

I have Celiac disease, and any trace in my system causes intense gastrointestinal issues. These include severe bloating and stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and tiredness.

If you indicated that you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Extremely: React to even small traces

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

Somewhat what I expected

Check all boxes that apply to your college experience

My school has only a few dining halls, I cannot eat safely at any dining halls, I do not have sufficient options at any dining halls, I assumed they could feed me and didn't think about it before I arrived, I asked alot of questions before I came but the reality was different

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

YES

Describe each incident. How did your school respond?

I did not reach out to them, but after using the salad bar once I had severe stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

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.

I was allowed a slightly accommodated meal plan of $700 in university money to spend on prepackaged items. There are not nearly enough items for me to possibly spend this much in a semester.

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

not yet, this information was not readily available

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

yes, but they recommend I use things like the salad bar that previously got me sick.

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

at least creating 2-3 allergen-friendly stations in the actual dining halls.

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

Affording groceries, and eating enough from food that can be kept in a mini fridge or made in a microwave.

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for those with food restrictions? Why?

I’m currently requesting a private dorm, but other than that all dorms are essentially the same and on campus housing is required for two years, typically in a double room. I would recommend living in a private room or attempting to live off campus to have enough space for food/cooking.

What's your advice for managing the dining halls with your food restrictions? Favorite dining hall(s)? Any dining halls to avoid?

Dont use any of the dining halls, buy only prepackaged food, and read every label.

What's your advice for eating in the dorm with your food restrictions? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

Get a mini fridge, freezer, and microwave. There are few places that deliver here, so grocery shopping is most important.

What do you recommend new students with food restrictions do before school starts? Or when they first arrive?

speak with the housing and meal plan representatives and sign up with the ADA office before starting.

What's your advice on managing the party scene with your food restrictions? Bring your own food, trust no shared containers, and read drink labels.

Grade your college town area for feeding people with your food restrictions

C+

Explain your grade. What are your favorite places to eat in town or food shop?

There are a few places to eat around here, but none dedicated gf. Check local menus though.

Anything else you would like to add?

The two-year on-campus requirement is extremely difficult to get around, even after letting administrators know that I need a safe place to prepare my own food and keep it.