Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for
college students with food restrictions
In 2008, Sheryl's two children were both diagnosed with celiac disease, as were her sister, father, and nephew. To cope, she created a New Jersey celiac support group, Gluten Free Friends, which has since grown into a large community of active members, sharing ideas and supporting each other on everything related to living gluten-free. Sheryl completed Beyond Celiac's Gluten-Free Resource Education Awareness Training (GREAT) and also served as a Resource Person for the National Celiac Association from 2019 to 2024.
As the children of members got older, they faced new challenges in college dining halls. This prompted a new focus on improving the college experience for all students with medically required food restrictions.
Sheryl Harpel
Founder, Gluten Free Friends
The GFF plan to make college dining safe and inclusive for students with food restrictions:
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Increase Awareness Among College Leadership:
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Educate colleges on their ADA legal obligations and encourage them to meet the challenge
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Create online content to share best practices, compliance implications, and trends
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Increase collaboration among celiac and food allergy organizations
Empower Students and Prospective Families:
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Shine a light on college food allergy dining programs
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Create content to help students and prospective families self-advocate
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Provide a platform for students to raise awareness and advocate for change
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Everyone can help by sharing our posts, social media, and GFF College Dining Survey!