GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond

Virginia

Colleges

Survey Date:

Mar 11, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C-

Surrounding Area:

B+

Rationale for Grades Given

I purposely commute, so that I don’t have to rely on the accommodations.

Richmond itself is pretty good with having options, however it’s extremely expensive.

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

1-3

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 am unable to eat anything with gluten or dairy in it.

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

I don’t eat at the dining hall, I try and cook my food or buy prepackaged materials.

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

I did not since I live at home.

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

Dietitian on campus

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

I would make a designated allergen free station at at least one dining hall and distribute more prepackaged food options though out campus. I would also be extremely thorough with how I label the meals and its ingredients.

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

It’s hard between classes to find something affordable and 100% safe to eat.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, I decided to stay at home.

Dining Halls:

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

Avoid things that may seem to be gluten free, because many times since it’s mass produced there isn’t 100% certainty it’s safe.

Meal Plans:

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

I personally haven’t gotten a meal plan as a commuter, but I know for freshman at VCU it’s required.

Dorms:

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

Kroger is your best friend!!!

Getting Started:

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

Make sure to get in contact with disability services for accommodations and schedule an appt with the dietitian.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Always eat before social events if your aren’t sure there will be safe foods there!

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond

Virginia

Survey Date:

Mar 11, 2023

Survey 1 of 1

Student:

Sophomore

With:

Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C-

Surrounding Area:

B+

Rationale for Grades Given

Details About this Student's Food Restrictions

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

1-3

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 am unable to eat anything with gluten or dairy in it.

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

I don’t eat at the dining hall, I try and cook my food or buy prepackaged materials.

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

I did not since I live at home.

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

Dietitian on campus

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

I would make a designated allergen free station at at least one dining hall and distribute more prepackaged food options though out campus. I would also be extremely thorough with how I label the meals and its ingredients.

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

It’s hard between classes to find something affordable and 100% safe to eat.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Yes, I decided to stay at home.

Dining Halls:

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

Avoid things that may seem to be gluten free, because many times since it’s mass produced there isn’t 100% certainty it’s safe.

Meal Plans:

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

I personally haven’t gotten a meal plan as a commuter, but I know for freshman at VCU it’s required.

Dorms:

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

Kroger is your best friend!!!

Getting Started:

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

Make sure to get in contact with disability services for accommodations and schedule an appt with the dietitian.

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Always eat before social events if your aren’t sure there will be safe foods there!

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

​

Meal Plans: