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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee

North Carolina

Survey Date:

Dec 26, 2024

Survey 1 of 3

Student:

Freshman

With:

Celiac Disease, Other

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

C+

Surrounding Area:

B+

Rationale for Grades Given

No celiac station, only gluten sensitive, and allergy station is rarely open and serves the same thing every time.

Limited options but there is a Vietnamese place near by

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?

Moderate: React sometimes

Add details to help us better understand your food restrictions (e.g. sensitivity level, potential reaction, need for EPI pen)

Celiac, no other food allergies other than mint of any form (smelling and eating cause stomach aches, nausea, and headaches)

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?

YES

If Yes, describe each incident and how your school responded

Mild stomachaches, bloating, and fatigue; school hasn’t responded

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

Yes, made note that I was celiac; no accommodations were made other than telling me to ask for gf bread, ask them to change their gloves (standard procedure that staff often is unaware of), and use the salad bar

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

There is a nutritionist but she can’t do much more than tell you gluten sensitive options.

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

Create a gf bar with a gf toaster and other options

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

I’m still working on it and I’m trying to get ACTUAL gf food and me and some of my peers are advocating for a gf section in one of the cafeterias.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

No; however, Brown Dining hall generally has more gf options and are better about cross contamination, so dorms close to that are the best options

Dining Halls:

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

Brown is better than the cafe for dining halls; the cafe is normally way more chaotic and busy than Brown.

Meal Plans:

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

Get a meal exchange plan, not just swipes, or advocate for no meal plan and cook for yourself

Dorms:

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

N/A

Getting Started:

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

Come with cooking supplies

Socializing:

Advice on managing parties or dinners out with friends?

Other:

Any other advice or comments?

Meal Plans:

GFF College Dining Survey responses come directly from students and do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Gluten Free Friends.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.  Always read labels on mentioned products as ingredients may change without notice.

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