top of page
Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for
college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame
Indiana
Survey Date:
Mar 25, 2019
Survey 1 of 1
Student:
Sophomore
With:
Celiac Disease
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
A-
Surrounding Area:
A
Rationale for Grades Given
All of the food is labeled with common allergens (barley, rye, etc. Is included in wheat on the labels), and I have never had a problem with any of the labeled food. That being said, there is not a lot of variety, but I think even the non-gf kids think that too!
Chicory cafe, blaze pizza
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?
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)
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?
Totally yes, was 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
Yes. I met with the dietician at the beginning of freshman year and she helped explain everything to me.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
Yes. There is a disabilities service person who helps with all food-related disabilities
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
every now and then, there are some food items that are not labeled with allergens. Please label them! Sometimes I would like to try them, but if they are not on the app or labeled, I do not feel comfortable.
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Not being able to eat at all of the “free food” events - people meet other people at events with food, and I am less likely to go because I can’t eat there anyways.
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?
Be creative! When I am getting tired of the same old thing, I often challenge myself to come up with creative new ideas. Some of my favorites are make your own chipotle bowl from te Mexican section and nachos using things from various sections across the dining hall.
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
I get 14 meals a week, plus $500 “flex points” every semester to use at other dining locations on campus. This is the typical meal plan. The dining halls all label all of the food with common allergens, and both hall has a separate gluten free sections. Many of the supplemental food areas on campus also have gluten free options.
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Talk to the rector. Just this year, my dorm has become a lot more inclusive and has gf snacks at almost every dorm event.
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
Scope out the options, and always have some spare food in your room.
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
Make sure you know which drinks you can have ahead of time, and drink responsibly.
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Good luck! It’s not so bad, as long as you are willing to try new things! I discovered a newfound liking of bananas and sweet potatoes because I wanted to expand my options.
Meal Plans:
bottom of page