GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Hofstra University

Hempstead

New York

Colleges

Survey Date:

Feb 23, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Egg Allergy, Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

D

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

I’ve had multiple allergic reactions and my options are very limited.

There are several good options which are safe, but I have an expensive meal plan that I don’t want to waste.

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)

Egg, peanut and tree nut allergies will send me to the hospital upon ingestion.

Allergies to watermelon, pitted fruits, pears, raw apples, raw bananas and raw carrots give me an upset stomach and oral allergy syndrome, these can usually be helped by benadryl or zyrtec.

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 had a major allergic reaction on Halloween night from a milkshake that I was assured would be safe. Public safety was fantastic, as they helped me to the ambulance and stayed with me while I was waiting. Since the incident, the dietician and head chef have clearly been trying to help but their allergen practices were not up to par, and their knowledge is lacking. They mean well but often provide insufficient solutions and assurances of safety.

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes, I noted my allergies along with my other physical disabilities during registration.

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

While we have a dietician and the head chef is often available, they do not always have ingredient lists on hand. While they make an effort, their performance has been lacking, especially concerning cross contamination.

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

I would make sure employees were properly trained in proper allergy procedures (changing gloves, not using the same equipment, etc) and I would make each station have ingredient lists on hand

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

My biggest challenge managing my allergies is trying to avoid cross contamination. As the school has only recently implemented separate cutting boards and allergen safe cooking stations, partially because of my insistence.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

The only suggestion I have is to get your own fridge if you can swing it, that way you can keep it 100% safe for you.

Dining Halls:

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

Brooklyn Slice, Delicious Without and The Netherlands Core are all very good with allergies. Delicious without is top 8 free and has a rotating menu. Be careful anywhere else

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Hofstra University

Hempstead

New York

Survey Date:

Feb 23, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Egg Allergy, Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

D

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?

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)

Egg, peanut and tree nut allergies will send me to the hospital upon ingestion.Allergies to watermelon, pitted fruits, pears, raw apples, raw bananas and raw carrots give me an upset stomach and oral allergy syndrome, these can usually be helped by benadryl or zyrtec.

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

Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe

Yes, I noted my allergies along with my other physical disabilities during registration.

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

While we have a dietician and the head chef is often available, they do not always have ingredient lists on hand. While they make an effort, their performance has been lacking, especially concerning cross contamination.

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

I would make sure employees were properly trained in proper allergy procedures (changing gloves, not using the same equipment, etc) and I would make each station have ingredient lists on hand

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

My biggest challenge managing my allergies is trying to avoid cross contamination. As the school has only recently implemented separate cutting boards and allergen safe cooking stations, partially because of my insistence.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

The only suggestion I have is to get your own fridge if you can swing it, that way you can keep it 100% safe for you.

Dining Halls:

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

Brooklyn Slice, Delicious Without and The Netherlands Core are all very good with allergies. Delicious without is top 8 free and has a rotating menu. Be careful anywhere else

Meal Plans:

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

As a freshman and sophomore here you need to have a 2,600 dollar meal plan.

Dorms:

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

I don’t snack much

Getting Started:

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

Reach out to the chef and dietician

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

​

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

​

Meal Plans:

Egg, peanut and tree nut allergies will send me to the hospital upon ingestion.

Allergies to watermelon, pitted fruits, pears, raw apples, raw bananas and raw carrots give me an upset stomach and oral allergy syndrome, these can usually be helped by benadryl or zyrtec.