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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of Connecticut

Storrs

Connecticut

Survey Date:

Feb 13, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Recent Grad

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B+

Surrounding Area:

A-

Rationale for Grades Given

The dining halls have a freezer of GF baked goods, a dedicated toaster, and a dedicated microwave. I am able to order anything from the kitchen in advance by emailing the staff the morning of or night before. However, it can be difficult to order food for a specific time in grad school! I wish there were more grab and go meals available. Also, it can sometimes be frustrating because there is no GF menu of items available. Even a simple menu of ingredients such as: hamburger, fries, pasta, vodka sauce, GF tortillas, GF rolls, etc. would be helpful. This way students can quickly locate what options are available, and can order a meal based on the ingredients.

There are many options, like bread, pasta, baked goods, pizza, but you have to ask tons of questions before knowing what is offered.

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?

Extremely: React to even small traces

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

I have separate pans/pots/sponges to avoid cross contact. I enjoy going out to eat with friends, but have to double check every restaurant before committing. If I accidentally eat gluten, I will be sick for 4-5 days. One time I accidentally ate fries that were in a shared fryer with gluten, and I had excruciating stomach pain for 4 days. It takes a while until I can feel like myself again!

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?

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 needed to make an appointment with the center of disabilities. In order to receive the accommodation, my gastroenterologist wrote a short letter about the severity of celiac disease. Once my diagnosis was confirmed by the disability center, I met with the culinary staff and was informed of the options on campus. Then, I was able to purchase a meal plan.

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

There is a dietician on campus, but I have not met with one.

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

I’m not sure if UConn would be open to my suggestions, but I’d hope so! I would have a GF refrigerator with grab and go meals (e.g,. pasta with sauce, pancakes, etc.). I would also make a GF “menu” available on the dining services website.

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

The hardest thing is having to order most of my meals so far in advance. In grad school, my schedule is always changing and I don’t always know when I’ll have time to eat. It’s also challenging because it is unclear what each dining hall offers to eat each day. I have been dealing with this by deciding to purchase some groceries for myself.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes - I am a grad student so I live in the Northwood Apartments (technically on campus, but a 5-10 minute walk from main campus). It has a kitchen, which is what I wanted in case the dining halls didn’t work out.

Dining Halls:

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

All of the dining halls have a GF section with a freezer, microwave, and toaster. If you’re living on campus, then that is pretty much all you need. I like South dining hall - after ordering a few times they have gotten to know me. My meals are always hot and usually ready within a few minutes of the time I placed the order.

Meal Plans:

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

If you live off campus, the meal plan is not mandatory. They give you about a month or two to try out the meal plan - do it!!! I haven’t loved a lot of the meals I got. I wish I took that grace period seriously, because if you aren’t happy with the meal plan, you can get your money back. I would suggest the commuter meal plan, because it goes based on number of meals, which is perfect when you are ordering meals from the kitchen directly.

Dorms:

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

Gansett wraps is on doordash and has gluten free wraps/soups!! They are knowledgeable about cross contact. There are many places downtown that are much better than the dining halls. Using the “Find Me GF” app is helpful to navigate the options. Dairy bar is my favorite!! They are very careful about cross contact and have so many GF flavors. Just mention that you have an allergy when you order and you’re good to go!

Getting Started:

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

Before school starts, meet with the disabilities center to get an accommodation for the meal plan. When school starts, try out the meal plan to the fullest extent possible!! Explore all of the dining halls and talk to the staff about their offerings. You can introduce yourself to the shift manager, who can show you where the GF section is.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

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Other:

Any other advice or comments?

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Meal Plans:

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