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GFF College Dining Survey Responses
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo
California
Survey Date:
May 15, 2023
Survey 1 of 3
Student:
Freshman
With:
Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Other
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
F
Surrounding Area:
A+
Rationale for Grades Given
Have been exempt from the dining plan because campus dining is unable to ensure no cross contamination.
San Luis Obispo has great restaurant and I have had no problems working with them to accommodate my dining needs.
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?
Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)
Severely allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. Also have Oral Allergy Syndrome.
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?
YES
If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded
I, despite being told not to eat on campus, ordered chicken with a vegan spicy aioli that was made from chickpeas. When I notified campus dining, they once again told me not to eat on campus.
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
Yes and they have provided me with a single dorm room, a car on campus, a microwave in my room, and an exemption from the dining plan. They also offered me a personal chef which I declined because they still could not ensure no cross contamination and require a strict schedule to pick up food.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There is a dietician that is rarely available and was unable to offer any advice beyond don't eat on campus.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
If in charge of dining, I would properly train staff on how to avoid cross contamination and try to be open to work with students with allergies. Currently the school is not at all open to any suggestions and the dining system is very rigid.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
The biggest challenge I face is not having access to a reliable kitchen where I can make my own food since I can't eat on campus. Therefore, I am limited to what I can make in my dorm with the few appliances I'm not supposed to have.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
If you can definitely try to get a single in the North Mountain dorms as you will have a lot of space and only have to share a bathroom with 2 other rooms.
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
In my case, all I can eat on campus reliably is subway.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
First year meal plan is mandatory unless you can get an exemption which can be very difficult.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Even though you're not supposed to get a few little appliances and get ready to cook your own food because eating out gets pricy. Pretty much every restaurant delivers.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Definitely reach out to the DRC before school starts with any concerns and they should hook you up.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
You've made it this far, just keep being careful.
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Cal Poly is an absolutely amazing school and I've loved every moment of being here even though I'm pretty sure they are trying to starve me.
Meal Plans:
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