GFF College Dining Survey Responses

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks

California

Colleges

Survey Date:

Apr 2, 2019

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Junior

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C-

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

Options were inconsistent and tasted bad. Staff wasn't trained on their options, so even if the administration told me they had something the staff in the dining hall wouldn't know what I was talking about. Sometimes I was served regular food instead of the GF option. I fought for 2 years to get maybe 6 options on the menu.

Stacked, In-n-Out

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

Less than 1

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

["Very: React to small amounts"]

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

Completed original celiac survey which did not ask about other food allergies

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Not at all what I expected

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

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

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

I tried, but at the time I didn't have a medical diagnosis so they couldn't do anything.

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

None

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

I would have a robust gluten free menu and train all staff in these options. I would want the menu to be as celiac safe as possible. I think my school would be open to the suggestions, but I don't know that Sodexo would be.

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

My biggest challenge before having a kitchen was getting enough food to eat. I lost 20 pounds in 2 years of eating in campus dining, so I had to eat a lot outside of my meal plan.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, it influenced my decision to enter apartment-style housing with a kitchen. There are no dorms recommended for celiacs.

Dining Halls:

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

Be an advocate for yourself and know your options before choosing that school.

Meal Plans:

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

I was required to have a meal plan my first two years of college while living in housing that didn't have kitchens. I had 3 meals a day, plus a bonus meal and bonus dollars.

Dorms:

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

Keep protein bars and other snacks in your dorm. Use uber eats, grub hub, etc if you want delivery.

Getting Started:

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

Know your options and be prepared to face a lot of resistance from staff.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Stick to vodka and make your drinks yourself.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

It's a really mentally taxing process. If you're feeling overwhelmed, visit counseling services on your campus. Celiac anxiety/depression is real and valid!

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks

California

Survey Date:

Apr 2, 2019

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Junior

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C-

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

Less than 1

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

["Very: React to small amounts"]

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

Completed original celiac survey which did not ask about other food allergies

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Not at all what I expected

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

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

​

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

I tried, but at the time I didn't have a medical diagnosis so they couldn't do anything.

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

None

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

I would have a robust gluten free menu and train all staff in these options. I would want the menu to be as celiac safe as possible. I think my school would be open to the suggestions, but I don't know that Sodexo would be.

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

My biggest challenge before having a kitchen was getting enough food to eat. I lost 20 pounds in 2 years of eating in campus dining, so I had to eat a lot outside of my meal plan.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, it influenced my decision to enter apartment-style housing with a kitchen. There are no dorms recommended for celiacs.

Dining Halls:

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

Be an advocate for yourself and know your options before choosing that school.

Meal Plans:

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

I was required to have a meal plan my first two years of college while living in housing that didn't have kitchens. I had 3 meals a day, plus a bonus meal and bonus dollars.

Dorms:

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

Keep protein bars and other snacks in your dorm. Use uber eats, grub hub, etc if you want delivery.

Getting Started:

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

Know your options and be prepared to face a lot of resistance from staff.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Stick to vodka and make your drinks yourself.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

It's a really mentally taxing process. If you're feeling overwhelmed, visit counseling services on your campus. Celiac anxiety/depression is real and valid!

Meal Plans: