GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley

California

Colleges

Survey Date:

Oct 17, 2023

Survey 1 of 3

Student:

Senior

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

F

Surrounding Area:

C

Rationale for Grades Given

Provided "allergy free" food (assorted beans and rice exclusively for every meal). Labels are misleading - for example, something labeled with wheat was not labeled with gluten. Plus, even the "allergy free" food has a liability warning.

Everything near campus is very fried and wheat-filled, but there's an amazing dedicated GF bakery a short bus ride away!

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 was diagnosed with celiac during my time at school. Asides from celiac, I have fairly significant lactose intolerance (cannot have anything more than a bit of butter in my food, not even cheese) and I'm vegetarian.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Not at all 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

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

No, however I am register with the disabilities office for other things, and the accommodations I get also help for celiac

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

No

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

Get rid of mandatory meal plans for dorms! Or, at the very least, find a way for students who are unable to utilize the meal plans to still be able to qualify for aid for getting food. Or possibly opening a smaller dining hall close to campus that's dedicated allergy friendly. Or at least communicating to students!

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

Price, and social alienation

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Don't live in the dorms if you can help it. I decided to because of my single accommodations (so i can live in a dedicated GF environment) but the mandatory meal plan puts you in a position where you are immediately disqualified for CalFresh. Which really sucks, because gluten free food is expensive