GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Vanderbilt University

Nashville

Tennessee

Colleges

Survey Date:

Oct 26, 2025

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A+

Surrounding Area:

A+

Rationale for Grades Given

I think Vanderbilt is the best school for being gluten free. They have not one but TWO dedication gluten free dining halls. One of those two being free from the top 9 allergens (e Bronson Ingram or EBI) and the other one being a certified gluten free kitchen (kissam). Vanderbilt also offers a food ordering program for those will allergies and my meals get made in the gluten free kitchen and can be delivered to any other dining hall on campus. Vanderbilt also has a gluten free fridge in each dining hall and labels the allergens on all of their foods in all dining halls. And for even extra inclusion, they will only use gluten free soy sauce in all dining halls.

There are multiple dining halls that are dedicated gluten free, I can order a plethora of meals to different dining halls, and Vanderbilt also has a grocery ordering service for all students with plenty of gluten free options including breads and pastas.

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

3-5

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)

No epi pen needed, but will be in extreme stomach pain for days, bloating, nausea, constipation, etc.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Mostly not 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

I did register my celiac with the school dietitian and that is how I am able to utilize the schools food ordering service.

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

There is a school dietitian who is extremely helpful in answering any and all questions! And at the beginning of the year they have the dietitians set up a table outside the dining hall to give out pamphlets about the allergen programs here.

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

I am going to be honest I would not change anything, Vanderbilt does an amazing job at being inclusive to students with allergies.

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

The biggest challenge is going out to eat, but even then Nashville is amazing for those who are gluten free. And that is not even a critique on Vanderbilt.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

It did not, many freshman dorms include a kitchen in the first floor and there are other on-campus options that have a personal kitchen

Dining Halls:

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

Favorite dining hall is E. Bronson Ingram or EBI, it is the best dining hall on campus (awarded by students with no allergies) whilst still being the dining hall free from the top nine allergens.

Meal Plans:

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

If you are living on campus then you are required to have a meal plan. There is a specific meal plan for freshman and a second one for upper classmen.

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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Vanderbilt University

Nashville

Tennessee

Survey Date:

Oct 26, 2025

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Celiac Disease

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

A+

Surrounding Area:

A+

Rationale for Grades Given

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

3-5

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)

No epi pen needed, but will be in extreme stomach pain for days, bloating, nausea, constipation, etc.

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Mostly not 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

I did register my celiac with the school dietitian and that is how I am able to utilize the schools food ordering service.

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

There is a school dietitian who is extremely helpful in answering any and all questions! And at the beginning of the year they have the dietitians set up a table outside the dining hall to give out pamphlets about the allergen programs here.

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

I am going to be honest I would not change anything, Vanderbilt does an amazing job at being inclusive to students with allergies.

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

The biggest challenge is going out to eat, but even then Nashville is amazing for those who are gluten free. And that is not even a critique on Vanderbilt.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

It did not, many freshman dorms include a kitchen in the first floor and there are other on-campus options that have a personal kitchen

Dining Halls:

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

Favorite dining hall is E. Bronson Ingram or EBI, it is the best dining hall on campus (awarded by students with no allergies) whilst still being the dining hall free from the top nine allergens.

Meal Plans:

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

If you are living on campus then you are required to have a meal plan. There is a specific meal plan for freshman and a second one for upper classmen.

Dorms:

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

Being in Nashville, there are so many safe food options all around.

Getting Started:

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

​

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

​

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

​

Meal Plans: