GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Fairfield University

Fairfield

Connecticut

Colleges

Survey Date:

Dec 28, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A+

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

Two options for every meal, and the food tastes very good. you can’t tell that it’s allergen free at all.

there are many restaurants that are gluten free and can accommodate, just have to look hard for them.

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

1-3

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)

I eat completely gluten free and take all precautions to prevent cross contamination. reactions include vomiting immediately and exhaustion for the following days. no epipen.

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 was able to get every accommodation i asked for. includes my own micro fridge in my dorm, extended time on homework and tests/ projects when im experiencing a reaction, access to the locked gluten free in the dining hall, and can miss as many classes as needed when experiencing a reaction.

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

yes, dedicated allergen free station and locked gluten free pantry only available for those who are gluten free.

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

I would make the salad bar gluten free by taking away croutons. i feel that they would be open to it but i don’t think they could guarantee no cross contact because it is buffet style.

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

just feeling isolated as i can only eat at one location. sometimes my friends would rather go to a different dining location that i can’t eat at.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

yes. make sure that you get the extra micro fridge and aren’t in a triple. make sure you’re located close to a bathroom as well.

Dining Halls:

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

always go to the tully. it’s you’re safest bet and the food is good. you’ll leave feeling fully and satisfied. don’t go to the levee, there aren’t any options, and the stag diner can’t guarantee there isn’t an cross contamination.

Meal Plans:

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

i have the unlimited, but all freshman start with 14 a week. i think the unlimited is necessary because then you can go into the dining hall whenever you want and don’t have to worry about rationing your meals.

Dorms:

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

always have a stocked fridge and many snacks to choose from!! i like making gluten free mug cakes and i also like having cauliflower based chips in my dorm as well.

Getting Started:

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

make sure you’re in contact with the dietitian and accommodations over the summer to make sure everything is set in place before you get to school. they are very nice and accommodating to students and want everyone to be happy and healthy!

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

speak up for yourself!! make sure people are aware of your allergy and don’t feel pressured to do things just because others are doing it. if they’re pushing you out of your comfort zone, they aren’t the people for you. emmy squared pizza in westport and catch a healthy habit in fairfield are both really good gluten free restaurants near the school.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Fairfield University

Fairfield

Connecticut

Survey Date:

Dec 28, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A+

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?

1-3

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)

I eat completely gluten free and take all precautions to prevent cross contamination. reactions include vomiting immediately and exhaustion for the following days. no epipen.

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 was able to get every accommodation i asked for. includes my own micro fridge in my dorm, extended time on homework and tests/ projects when im experiencing a reaction, access to the locked gluten free in the dining hall, and can miss as many classes as needed when experiencing a reaction.

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

yes, dedicated allergen free station and locked gluten free pantry only available for those who are gluten free.

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

I would make the salad bar gluten free by taking away croutons. i feel that they would be open to it but i don’t think they could guarantee no cross contact because it is buffet style.

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

just feeling isolated as i can only eat at one location. sometimes my friends would rather go to a different dining location that i can’t eat at.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

yes. make sure that you get the extra micro fridge and aren’t in a triple. make sure you’re located close to a bathroom as well.

Dining Halls:

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

always go to the tully. it’s you’re safest bet and the food is good. you’ll leave feeling fully and satisfied. don’t go to the levee, there aren’t any options, and the stag diner can’t guarantee there isn’t an cross contamination.

Meal Plans:

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

i have the unlimited, but all freshman start with 14 a week. i think the unlimited is necessary because then you can go into the dining hall whenever you want and don’t have to worry about rationing your meals.

Dorms:

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

always have a stocked fridge and many snacks to choose from!! i like making gluten free mug cakes and i also like having cauliflower based chips in my dorm as well.

Getting Started:

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

make sure you’re in contact with the dietitian and accommodations over the summer to make sure everything is set in place before you get to school. they are very nice and accommodating to students and want everyone to be happy and healthy!

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

​

Meal Plans: