GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Iowa State University

Ames

Iowa

Colleges

Survey Date:

Dec 26, 2024

Survey 1 of 4

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease, Peanut Allergy, Sesame Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A-

Surrounding Area:

B+

Rationale for Grades Given

Very safe from cross contamination, variety is low

There are a couple restaurants that I have found to be gluten free (chick fil a and Aunt Maude’s) but other than that I have not branched out a lot.

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)

Sensitive to cross contamination, reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and weakened immune system.

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 needed to be cleared with the office accommodations before having access to the special kitchen.

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

Dietician, but I have not used her since before I started school. The head chefs are also knowledgeable.

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

I would change the menus, specifically to have more options for each meal. The school is and has been open to suggestions, asking the students what meals are favorites.

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

Only one dining hall consistently has gluten free options so if you are on the other side of campus or friends want to go somewhere it can get difficult. I have found planning meals ahead of time to be the best solution.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, need to get housing close to the Udcc dining hall. Helser, Friley, Martin, and Eaton are all good close dorms.

Dining Halls:

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

Udcc is the only dining hall with the special kitchen but I have ordered gluten free pizzas at Friley Windows with success.

Meal Plans:

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

I have the unlimited plan which is convenient, but not necessary and a two meal a day plan would be just as feasible.

Dorms:

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

Have not found places that deliver but have not looked very hard. Snacks can be bought at nearby stores or there is a convenience store close to the dining hall.

Getting Started:

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

Make sure to meet with the dietitian and get access to the special kitchen.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Be careful what you drink and who you share drinks with, I have found that to be a source of possible cross contamination.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

I would recommend applying for a medical parking space if you have celiac to park a lot closer to the dorms.

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Iowa State University

Ames

Iowa

Survey Date:

Dec 26, 2024

Survey 1 of 4

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease, Peanut Allergy, Sesame Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A-

Surrounding Area:

B+

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?

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)

Sensitive to cross contamination, reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and weakened immune system.

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 needed to be cleared with the office accommodations before having access to the special kitchen.

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

Dietician, but I have not used her since before I started school. The head chefs are also knowledgeable.

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

I would change the menus, specifically to have more options for each meal. The school is and has been open to suggestions, asking the students what meals are favorites.

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

Only one dining hall consistently has gluten free options so if you are on the other side of campus or friends want to go somewhere it can get difficult. I have found planning meals ahead of time to be the best solution.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, need to get housing close to the Udcc dining hall. Helser, Friley, Martin, and Eaton are all good close dorms.

Dining Halls:

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

Udcc is the only dining hall with the special kitchen but I have ordered gluten free pizzas at Friley Windows with success.

Meal Plans:

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

I have the unlimited plan which is convenient, but not necessary and a two meal a day plan would be just as feasible.

Dorms:

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

Have not found places that deliver but have not looked very hard. Snacks can be bought at nearby stores or there is a convenience store close to the dining hall.

Getting Started:

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

Make sure to meet with the dietitian and get access to the special kitchen.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Be careful what you drink and who you share drinks with, I have found that to be a source of possible cross contamination.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

I would recommend applying for a medical parking space if you have celiac to park a lot closer to the dorms.

Meal Plans: