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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

California Polytechnic State University

San Luis Obispo

California

Survey Date:

Jan 9, 2023

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Egg Allergy, Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B+

Surrounding Area:

A

Rationale for Grades Given

They are very good about the food allergy protocols, will always be willing to switch gloves and wash hands. The reason for a B and not an A is because they don’t read the notes when you order on grub hub. If you have an allergy it’s important to order in person unless the place you’re getting food from is an entirely allergen free section.

I give it an A because everything around here is mom and pop shops, they will 99% of the time be present and available to answer your questions. It is not a big corporate type of city every location where you order is walk in only we don’t have drive thrus. If you call ahead of time or walk in and speak to managers they’ve always been helpful for me.

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)

I carry 2 Epi-pens, I have a life threatening allergy to peanuts. I have severe but not as life threatening allergies to some treenuts and eggs.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Totally yes, was 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

Yes, I registered I have many accommodations such as my own mini fridge and flexibility making up classes if I was to have a reaction.

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

Yes, the nutritionist is in the dining hall on the first floor, you can talk to her whenever and she will go over specific ingredients and make sure there’s no cross contamination in the facility.

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

I would add more food to the menu, we are on a rotating menu and they get rid of really good options and sometimes some of the options aren’t as good, I wish some of the food remained and we could have a choice over what was rotated in and out of the menu

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

It’s hardest to meal plan and prep in my opinion. Time management is important so I’ve started using a calendar to plan when I eat and what I eat, then supplement with the dining hall when I don’t have time to cook.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

I recommend you find a roommate willing to accommodate and work with you and your food allergies. Given that it’s easier to find one person than 3 who are good about food allergies, I would not at all recommend a quad or triple even if it is to save money. Take the double room, pay a little more because your life is worth more than whatever you’d save per month.

Dining Halls:

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

We only have one dining hall and small places to grab food around campus. Vista grande is good about allergies, no matter what you eat just check online for the nutrition calculator because that will show the allergens present. Make sure it’s safe before you even ask and then ask for a manager not a fellow student working.

Meal Plans:

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

I had the lowest meal plan (I don’t know what it’s called) but I believe it was 2 meals a day for the whole year. I’d cook for myself very often and eat lots of meals and snacks from the allergen free spot in the dining hall.

Dorms:

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

Grub hub here doesn’t deliver, order ahead and pick up is how they operate. It’s easy to pick up safe food and eat it with friends once you confirm it’s safe. Favorite snacks from the dining hall are grilled cheese, cheesy bread, and garlic fries

Getting Started:

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

Talk to our nutritionist, they will help make sure that you have safe options, talk to DRC so that you can get accommodations based on your individual needs so you can be set up for success once you are here. Don’t wait to reach out make sure the food is safe before you order too.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Know that whatever you’re consuming, food or drink, is safe. Be smart and cautious.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Be safe and don’t push the limits. You know what is safe for you and you have been cautious your whole life assuming it’s a life threatening food allergy. Remain cautious and don’t try stuff without vouching that it is safe. It’s all about self accountability once you’re in college and with discipline and effort you will be fine.

Meal Plans:

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