GFF College Dining Survey Responses

University of Wisconsin

Madison

Wisconsin

Colleges

Survey Date:

Nov 17, 2025

Survey 1 of 4

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C

Surrounding Area:

B

Rationale for Grades Given

I am left with the same options everyday for all 3 meals. Additionally, you have to order at a specific time (3:30pm) for dinner, and if you do not, you are stuck fending for yourself. Additionally, it takes about 20-30 minutes for meals to be made, and it is clear that the chefs do not always pay attention to your order requests, and hastily prepare your food with ingredients that are no longer fresh. They have also run out of foods in the past, forcing me to pick something new from already limited options.

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)

I have Celiac Disease, and because of this have to be careful in regards to cross contamination, and do not eat oats. If I end up consuming gluten, I will get sick physically and internally, as it attacks my gut and wrecks my gut/digestive genomes.

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

I am not sure if it was related or not, but 2 times after eating food from the same dining hall, I had what I usually consider a reaction to gluten.

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

Yes, I registered my disability with the McBurney Disability Center, met with the dietitian twice, and have talked with the chefs and a manager.

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

Yes, there is a dietician whom I met with twice. However, she has not responded to my last 2 emails about food-related issues. I also talked with the manager of the dining hall I attend most often, who has been arguably more helpful.

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

I would absolutely create more diverse dining options and make it so that I did not have to order my food at a certain time just to make sure I am fed. I do believe that my school would be open to suggestions, but I don’t know if changes would actually be made in a timely manner/

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

My biggest challenge has been having to eat the same things for the last 3 months, and having to order food at a specific time. Because of this, I try to buy my own food and make things myself at least one day a week.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

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