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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara
California
Survey Date:
Jun 27, 2023
Survey 1 of 3
Student:
Senior
With:
Celiac Disease
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
A-
Surrounding Area:
A-
Rationale for Grades Given
There is labeling for gluten free food. There are many rotating meals, and some days the meals are not gluten free, but the majority of them are. They also always use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce. However, I have been cross contaminated a few times, and a lot of the kitchen staff is not trained on what gluten free is, and how to take special precautions with the food.
what i said above
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)
I also do not eat meat. I eat chicken and fish but nothing else for meat.
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
I sent them a long email to 6 different people, and no one responded
Did you register your food restriction with the disabilities office? If yes, describe
no
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
not that i am aware of
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
better training on what gluten is and how to handle cross contamination
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
I would say the cross contamination. The staff is not trained, and I have seen them visibly cross contaminate my food countless times
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
No. everyone is on the same dining plan. If you really want to cook, finn hall has the best kitchen. there are also apartment style dorms (casa and sobrato) for upperclassmen, but you can't normally get them as a freshman.
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
only one dining hall, benson. if you order something, just go up to the counter and tell them you are gluten free so they can take cross contamination precaution.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
if you live on campus you are required to get a meal plan, which is around $1800 meal points per quarter
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
you can cook in the kitchen, but its all communal so there might be cross contamination
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
nothing really
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
most restaurants in california have something for gluten free, so theres no need to worry about going out with friends. don't share drinks at parties if you are sensitive to cross contamination
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Meal Plans:
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