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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for college students with food restrictions
GFF College Dining Survey Responses
Vanderbilt University
Nashville
Tennessee
Survey Date:
Apr 8, 2019
Survey 1 of 1
Student:
Sophomore
With:
Celiac Disease
Student's Summary Assessment:
College Dining:
A+
Surrounding Area:
A-
Rationale for Grades Given
Students can be on the allergy program where we can pre order gluten free meals that are made without cross contamination by allergy trained chefs. We have gluten free fridges with breads, condiments, salad dressings, and desserts. We also have a gluten free cafe on campus called 2301.
Mangia - gluten free Italian!
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)
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?
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 to be on the allergy program students must register with a documented case of celiac with disability services.
Are there resources to help with nutritious, safe dining (e.g. dietician)? If yes, describe
We have a student allergy advisory council, a nutritionist, and all of the chefs and managers are allergy trained.
If you were in charge of dining, what would you change? Would your school be open to suggestions?
The student allergy advisory council has implemented a number of suggestions such as using nima sensors and having gluten free dessert. As of now, there is nothing I can think of to implement that we don’t already do. Vanderbilt is extremely open to suggestions!
Describe your biggest challenge managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
I’m very lucky that I truly don’t have many challenges! Anxiety in general with eating was one, but we use Nima sensors on campus now, and that has really helped to eliminate it.
Advice for Incoming Students:
Housing:
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decisions? Any dorm recommendations
Students with Celiac can either room alone or with a roommate. I chose to live alone, but there is no specific housing for celiacs I would recommend.
Dining Halls:
Any advice for managing dining halls? Favorite dining halls? Any to avoid?
The allergy program might sound overwhelming at first, but it is a life saver! The four main dining halls are all equally wonderful, and the chefs will really work wirh you to make your favorites!
Meal Plans:
Describe your meal plans over the year(s). What's mandatory? Any suggestions?
Freshman are on the freshman meal plan with 21 meals a week. As a sophomore, you have the option of either 14 or 19 meals per week. These are both required
Dorms:
Any advice for eating in the dorms? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Hopdoddy burgers is by the freshman campus and accepts Vanderbilt commodore cash and is celiac safe! I would get a microwave and a fridge for your dorm and always keep things like boxed soup for meals and then just general snacks like popcorn and fruit
Getting Started:
What should students do before school starts or when they first arrive?
I would register with disability services first and attend the allergy meeting before school starts. On arrival I would make sure to ask questions if you have any and utilize the ordering system
Socializing:
Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?
I truly don’t party so I just manage by avoidance
Other:
Any other advice or comments?
Vanderbilt is truly wonderful! I promise you will be safe and well fed here! :)
Meal Plans:
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