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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Edgewood College
Madison
Wisconsin
Survey Date:
Jul 2, 2022
Survey 1 of 1
Student:
Recent College Graduate
With:
Peanut Allergy, Soy Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
A+
Surrounding Area:
A
Rationale for Grades Given
We had a dedicated nut and peanut free cafeteria. In the other cafe, allergens were clearly noted or I could always ask.
Lots of Asian food which I generally stay away from
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)
Peanut- anaphylaxis, avoid tree nuts due to cross contamination but no formal diagnosis, soy intolerance with digestive issues and throat lump when eaten aside from soybean oil
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?
NO
If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded
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
Head of dining services was great to work with
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
Although I feel my own allergy was well covered, I’d imagine that others with different allergies had different experiences.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Access to food labels
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
No, although I did live off campus my last two years and would say my ability to select foods I know are safe was better
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
Don’t eat the sushi!
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
Meal plan required first two years, had meal dollars to use a la crate about $1500/semester
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Lots of allergy friendly places in Madison
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Meet with the director of dining services and talk with them about your allergy. Ask how they can prevent cross contamination and what their procedures are.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Do not share drinks, always carry your epi pen even when it isn’t convenient
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
This is a great research idea!
Meal Plans:
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