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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Bates College
Lewiston
Maine
Survey Date:
Jun 8, 2023
Survey 1 of 2
Student:
Junior
With:
Other
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
A-
Surrounding Area:
A-
Rationale for Grades Given
Very limited options for whole meals with whole grains that are also nutritious
Good food but sometimes inaccessible or hard to access
Details About this Student's Food Restrictions
How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?
1-3
If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?
Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)
Insulin resistance - requires low glycemic index foods
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
Norovirus/stomach flu, nothing was really done
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
No
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
Yes, dietician is available to all students for free, can talk with head of dining directly as well
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
Healthier foods, less sugar in the desserts (I like sweet foods but the cookies are way too sweet)
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Eating health. Sometimes I cook for myself.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
Students with dietary restrictions will be placed in housing with kitchens as long as they talk to accessibility services and receive special accommodations. Easy process.
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
Everyone has an unlimited meal plan.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
If you ask for a "care package" from dining, they will give you food. I received a lot of whole grain pasta and pasta sauce for free, I just had to pick it up.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
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