GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Butler University

Indianapolis

Indiana

Colleges

Survey Date:

Dec 27, 2022

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B-

Surrounding Area:

B

Rationale for Grades Given

Safety provided in top 8 allergen free station, but lacks variety and variation (rotating menu)

Not a ton of options right off campus, have to go to Broad Ripple (15 mins) or Keystone Ave (20 mins) for variety. In Broad Ripple, I like Cholita Tacos and Ripple Bagel and Deli

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

5+

If you indicated celiac or gluten intolerance, how sensitive are you to gluten?

["Extremely: React to even small traces"]

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

Celiac disease - nausea, indigestion, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, cramping

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

I emailed the dietician, she reviewed the meal plan for the day, and made sure I was safe going forward

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes, registered celiac, provided exam accommodations and access to microwave and air fryer in dorm room

Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe

Dietician/nutritionist, fellow students with dietary restrictions

If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?

More variety, more dessert options, different grab and go “basic” options (chicken tenders, pizza, etc). My university welcomes requests and opinions and accommodates to the best of their ability

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

Lack of variety - food options are redundant, being on a rotating menu. I cook a lot of meals in my microwave and air fryer, and utilize the cooking space of my dorm kitchen, for which I have my own pots, pans, and utensils

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations

Yes, my dorm (Irvington House) has a kitchen. The other freshman dorm, Residential College, does not. Residential College contains a dining hall that does not offer allergen friendly options. If you intend to cook some of your own meals, kitchen access in Irvington is convenient

Dining Halls:

Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?

Eat off the allergen station in Atherton Marketplace (main dining hall). Plum Market, the cafe, will make sandwiches on gluten free bread, but takes a long time. Avoid the Residential College dining hall, as they do not offer allergen friendly options

Meal Plans:

Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?

University meal plan, 2 dining hall meals a day, flex dollars /flex meals for additional grab and go style meals in the cafe

Dorms:

Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

Request as many accommodations as possible. I make ramen, Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, frozen meals, etc in my microwave and air fryer. DoorDash offers delivery of Baby’s burgers, Lou Malnati’s delivers gf pizza, gluten free dining is easier done in person than delivery

Getting Started:

What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?

Speak with student disability services and register your restrictions once you decide to attend. Communicate with disability and housing for appliance accommodations. Speak with Katy Maher, the dietician, and introduce yourself and your restrictions to her

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Sorority dinners were accommodating of all restrictions, events will ask if you have restrictions prior to the event, relies on a lot of self indication and advocation

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Make sure you advocate for yourself. Disability and housing/dining do not always communicate, so get in touch with everyone

Meal Plans: