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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Kent State University

Kent

Ohio

Survey Date:

May 10, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Junior

With:

Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy, Soy Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C+

Surrounding Area:

C+

Rationale for Grades Given

They have one little section for GF meals which is nice however, if you’re want something healthy, your only option is a salad. Yes, they had some variety but it was almost always fish or chicken with A LOT of sauce.

n/a

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?

Very: React to small amounts

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

I get lots of fatigue, stomach issues, and hives with Celiacs. (Some other things off and on also)

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?

Mostly not 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

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

Yes! I also have a metabolic disorder, VLCAD- I cannot have fat!

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

There is a dietician you can speak with!

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

More options beside a salad if you didn’t want the meat drenched in a sauce.

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

Having two very restrictive disorders/diseases is the hardest thing. It would be a lot easier with only one (even then it is hard)!!

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

If you stay on campus, there isn’t much you can change to accommodate your restrictions. They are small rooms only with a microwave, and one section of community stoves. I would say your best bet it to get off campus so you can cook your own safe meals full of variety.

Dining Halls:

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

Favorite is DI hub!!

Meal Plans:

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

A full meal plan is required for 1st years (and maybe 2nd)! If you are off campus you do not need a plan. I was on one of the full unlimited plans that were required but then spoke to the student accessibility services and dietitian and got it changed to a lower plan. I was unable to eat fulfilling meals with my restrictions at Kent.

Dorms:

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

I’d say get all of the cooking tools that you can have. The mini egg makers, etc. It is definitely not easy or fun to make meals in a dorm but sometimes it’s necessary.

Getting Started:

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

Talk with SAS and a dietitian!

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Stand up for yourself! Do not drink any drinks/share with anyone- you never know if it is contaminated with gluten or something else!!! Call ahead to the restaurant and see if it is safe/look at the menu- if it looks like it’s not for you maybe recommend another spot or (even tho it sucks) eat before you go.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

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Meal Plans:

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