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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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