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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of New Haven

West Haven

Connecticut

Survey Date:

Apr 16, 2021

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C-

Surrounding Area:

B-

Rationale for Grades Given

Although they have a separate area in one of their kitchens for gluten free food, they said that they could not confirm that there would not be any cross contamination. The head chef told me that he could get me prepackaged meals instead. This ended up falling though. The school did give me access to a communal kitchen, but with no car it was hard to get groceries for the kitchen. I then had to take it up with accessibly services and the dean of students for them to finally let me have a car on campus.

I never went out to eat because of COVID, but I think there are some places (maybe 20 min drive) that are dedicated GF. The find me GF app had some options I remember

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 need to avoid all gluten and gluten cross contamination. I take celiac seriously and rarely eat out, only if it is dedicated gluten free. If exposed, I will have GI symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea. Also things such as brain fog, headaches, fatigue, etc.

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?

NO

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

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

Yes. I had special access to the communal kitchen (because it was closed due to COVID) and later on I got my car on campus for groceries.

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

Not sure. I never met with anyone

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

I would make them take my problems more seriously. I would also have safer gluten free options.

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

I moved off campus so I could have my own kitchen.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, they gave me Westside because it had a communal kitchen. However, after the first semester I moved off campus.

Dining Halls:

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

Ask questions, maybe you will be luckier than I was!

Meal Plans:

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

I got a reduced meal plan my freshman year, but then never ate from the kitchen after I was told it was not fully safe.

Dorms:

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

Target delivers groceries which is helpful! The campus store also has GF snacks and a couple safe frozen meals.

Getting Started:

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

get to asking questions right away and if they give you a hard time DO NOT GIVE UP! If someone says no to your health needs, go to the person above their heads. Go the the president if you need to.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Bring your own food! And for alcohol, unopened seltzer, like white claws, or trulys are a go to.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Good luck !

Meal Plans:

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