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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of Virginia

Charlottesville

Virginia

Survey Date:

Dec 11, 2024

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

B

Surrounding Area:

B+

Rationale for Grades Given

The University of Virginia is good at managing students with dietary restrictions. There are three dining halls on grounds and each dining hall has an allergen free station called Copper Hood. Copper Hood oftentimes serves the same plain, dry food which can be frustrating. They also recently created a new program called "Order IT" which is a programmed app they grant students with dietary restrictions access to. On this app, you can pre-order any of your meals for a time and dining hall. The meals are cooked in the allergen free station to avoid cross contamination. This app is a new development so while there are some flukes, it has been good. The app does not have many options, which makes many of my meals repetitive.

While Charlottesville is a small city, I have found a number of safe options. All of them are very aware and cautious with managing Celiac Disease. Some of these places are within walking distance of grounds and some in driving distance. My largest complaint is the price point of these establishments and distance to grounds.

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)

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 10 years ago. I am very sensitive to cross contamination. I am also allergic to oats.

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

​

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

Yes. I am granted certain housing and class accommodations due to Celiac Disease. In terms of housing, I live on central grounds so I am able to have a shorter walk into town to get food for myself. I also have two fridges in my room, one for myself (fully GF) and one for my roommate. In terms of class accommodations, I have excused absences and excused extensions in the case I get glutened.

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

Yes. UVA has a registered dietician who is lovely to work with and is eager to improve student experiences.

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

I would suggest increasing the number of options that are on the ordering app. While they are safe, they are currently very limited due to the newness of this program. UVA is actively seeking student input and is working on improving students with dietary restrictions experiences. I would also like to add an ability to customize meals such as describing that when I order chicken, sauce, cheese that I would like a chicken parm. Also, the ability to request spice level and flavor level.

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

The biggest challenge I face is if I wish to order from the app, it limits the spontaneity of my meals. This can be challenging socially because you need to plan our when and where you will be eating. I have overcome this challenge by advocating for myself when with friends and expressing my need for a plan when discussing meals.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

First year students must live on grounds, however, after their first year they can move off grounds. Due to this, I lived on grounds this year but will live in an apartment next year. In terms of housing accommodations for this year, I live on central grounds so I am able to have a shorter walk into town to get food for myself.

Dining Halls:

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

In my experience all of the dining halls are equally safe. I find myself to like Newcomb dining hall best due to the Copper Hood staff. Deedee and Hope are wonderful and they always take care of me!

Meal Plans:

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

All first years have the same meal plan, even those with dietary restrictions. We have unlimited swipes into dining halls and a certain number of meal exchanges. I have not been able to eat at any of the meal exchange places.

Dorms:

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

All UVA students get a Grub Hub plus membership - use it! There are certain safe places such as Iron Paffle and Burtons that can grub hub to your dorm.

Getting Started:

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

They should absolutely contact the registered dietician. She is very helpful and will ensure the incoming student knows about the resources offered such as the app.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Don't let celiac disease define you! Find friends that are accepting of you and and want to make your life easier, not ones that judge you and don't support you.

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

I am absolutely willing to share more if you have any more specific questions! Please feel free to reach out to me.

Meal Plans:

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