GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls

Iowa

Colleges

Survey Date:

Apr 1, 2019

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Senior

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B-

Surrounding Area:

B-

Rationale for Grades Given

There were options, but they weren’t good, didn’t offer it for some meals, and a lot was unknown.

Pablo’s Mexican grill, Aldi’s

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?

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)

Completed original celiac survey which did not ask about other food allergies

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Somewhat 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

The school didn’t do anything, I just dealt with the issues it causes

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, but it was just an email to someone

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

Have in coming students send in surveys of what types of food they’d like to see. Hire a specific person or two to manage the allergy section of the dining halls

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

Right now, it Payson for expensive groceries. It’s so hard to go a month under $100.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

No

Dining Halls:

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

Rialto has better options and usually tastes better

Meal Plans:

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

My first two years I ate at the dining center. For everyone there was fruit and vegetables available. But as for the gluten free section it was out in a corner practically unseen. I have 1-2 choices for food each meal. Other salad bar options were open, but it was unknown it there was cross contamination. Now I live in a house and do not have a meal plan with the dining center. Buying food for myself become expensive quick and regardless of what I get. Bread is $5 per loaf, anything that is usually “cheap college food” for most people, is still expensive when it’s made gluten free. Avoiding those types of food, and trying to eat more produce is expensive simply because it’s produce.

Dorms:

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

There quite a bit of “normal” food that’s gluten free and tastes good. Fruit snacks, yogurt,

Getting Started:

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

Search out Restaurants in the area and email the person who claims to be in charge

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Don’t go. Alcohol is risky and there are some things that are okay and some that aren’t. If you don’t know what it is, don’t risk it. If that’s your scene, pregame.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Nope

Meal Plans: