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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster

Pennsylvania

Survey Date:

Jun 13, 2022

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A

Surrounding Area:

A

Rationale for Grades Given

They are very accommodating and implement feedback quickly.

There are a lot of healthy shopping options/farmers markets with gluten free food. Lancaster central market is a great option as well as Whole Foods, Wegmans, Lemon st market, and Leg up farmers market (a bit of a drive). Lancaster cupcake almost always has gf and the food truck comes pretty often to campus. P.F. Chang’s and chipotle are the only places I’ve been in town to eat at in person but I’ve heard that there are good local options like Slovaki boys that I’ll have to try.

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?

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 get very sick if I have gluten or an cross contaminated. I experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue.

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 am registered with disabilities. I receive housing accommodations to live without a roommate. They also guarantee that the food program is adequate to meet my needs and I meet with them each semester to give suggestions.

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

I am on the housing/dining committee in our schools government called Diplomatic Congress. In addition there is a school dietician and managers of the dining locations on campus.

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

I am working with staff currently to get a gf waffle station similar to the non-gf version found in our dining hall. I think that F&M will be accepting of this.

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

It can be difficult when going out since I sometimes have to cancel plans that revolve around food. My close friends understand but when meeting people for the first time it can be awkward going somewhere that I can’t get anything.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

I personally felt most comfortable not having a roommate so that there would be no one to bring gluten into my dorm which in my eyes should feel like a safe space. I think a person with Celiac could thrive with a roommate as well, however, just as with all roommates, you could get very unlucky and be stuck with a bad fit until changes are made.

Dining Halls:

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

Steinman College Center which we call CC is one of my favorites because I can get a burger, cheese steak, quesadilla, and more with fries made in the air fryer (they also have ice cream like Ben and Jerry’s depending on the week)! The dining hall is also really good for the most part, the food tends to be very healthy that is gluten free but there is a lot of interesting world cuisine. They also always have chicken and rice but that can get old which is why I also check the menu using the bite app ahead of time to see if I want to go or not.

Meal Plans:

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

I have had a full meal plan which covers 3 meals a day, 7 days a week plus on extra weekly meal as a “just in case”. In addition around $200 in dining dollars are a part of the plan which can be used for snacks or adding something to your meal like a milkshake.

Dorms:

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

I would definitely recommend getting a micro fridge (or a separate microwave and fridge if your school allows it). I would make snacks in my room a lot when I didn’t want to go out to get one or wasn’t hungry enough for a meal. Blue Line, a cafe on campus, usually has gf sandwiches which is a good thing to keep in the fridge. Nachos in the microwave were another quick and easy snack.

Getting Started:

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

Speaking with staff is a must to build a rapport. The dining staff should know who you and you should feel comfortable talking to them if an issue arises. Definitely plan on some staple items you’d want in your dorm as well just in case food isn’t available on move in day.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

I don’t drink and would trust food or alcohol at a party. If you plan on partying and want to drink, definitely avoid jungle juice, punch, etc. and stick with bottled/canned drinks you know are gf.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

N/A

Meal Plans:

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