top of page
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Rutgers University
New Brunswick
New Jersey
Survey Date:
Feb 20, 2024
Survey 1 of 2
Student:
Senior
With:
Celiac Disease, Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Wheat Allergy, Other
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
B-
Surrounding Area:
A-
Rationale for Grades Given
A bit hard to plan each meal hours in advance to be able to eat safe food. Makes it difficult when you want to have an impromptu trip to the dining hall with your friends.
There are a lot of different restaurants in the area, and most have at least one safe food item, but not nearly enough.
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?
Moderate: React sometimes
Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)
Need for Epipen if ingested peanuts, tree nuts, and celery. Hives and itching throat for wheat. Stomach pain and skin issues with gluten intake.
Details About this Student's College Dining Experience
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected when you decided to attend?
Mostly 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
Celery was in one of the food items and was not listed as an ingredient on the website. They did not respond, I went to the ER on my own.
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
N/A
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
There are dieticians and the text-to-chef program.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
I would make sure that ingredient lists are accurate. I would also dedicate an allergy free zone of each dining hall with safe options that are more to go.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
It is socially very draining. Always having to plan and being unable to join in and eat what other people are eating. I deal with it by knowing that it is just temporary.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
On your housing application, say that you have food allergies and either request your fridge or your own room!
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
I was never super confident with going to the dining halls to eat, just make sure you ask and double check all of the ingredients with the staff before you eat.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
A meal plan is mandatory if you are living in the suites or the residence halls.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
I had a ton of snack food stocked up that I would eat.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Go to costco or the store and get a bulk amount of safe snacks.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
I call restaurants before I go to make sure they can accommodate my allergies and will have something that I can eat. For parties, don't eat or drink anything that is given to you.
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
bottom of page