GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of Iowa

Iowa City

Iowa

Colleges

Survey Date:

Mar 2, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Senior

With:

Gluten Intolerance

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B

Surrounding Area:

C

Rationale for Grades Given

The “allergen free” section in our dining halls is extremely small. Everything is marked throughout the dining hall but I worry about cross contamination.

There are not many options. Salad is typically one of the only options at most restaurants.

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)

Cannot have gluten due to an autoimmune disease. I react to small traces so cross contamination needs to be avoided.

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

No

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

Yes, housing and dining staff are available to talk through different options.

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

Having more allergen free options or even just switching them up more often. It is sad that the options are usually the same everyday. I think my school would be open to suggestions.

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

When eating with other people it is extremely difficult to find somewhere I can eat. Most restaurants in the area do not have gluten free options, so I eat before we go and just get a drink while out.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Live on the east side of campus because Burge’s dining hall probably has the best gluten free options.

Dining Halls:

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

Burge dining hall is my favorite. Catlett is my second favorite because they have desserts like cookies and brownies that are gluten free.

Meal Plans:

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

I had a meal plan my first two years but then moved off campus and had my own kitchen. I eat there occasionally now.

Dorms:

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

Definitely get some groceries to ensure you have some safe snacks. But there are convenience stores in some of the dorms that have a few gluten free options. Also, insomnia cookies usually has their gluten free cookie and delivers!

Getting Started:

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

Buy your favorite snacks before moving here because the stores might not have them. King Arthur is not available at my local target, so it’s difficult to get.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Plan to eat before or pack a snack. Also you will typically be eating a salad or burger with no bun, so I would suggest doing some research before you go to a restaurant. There are some good gluten free options around town too though.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Download the app “Find Me GF” it is a lifesaver when trying to find somewhere to eat!!

Meal Plans: