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GFF College Dining Survey Responses

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee

North Carolina

Survey Date:

Mar 5, 2023

Survey 1 of 2

Student:

Junior

With:

Gluten Intolerance, Milk Allergy, Soy Allergy, Wheat Allergy

Student's Summary Assessment:

College Dining:

D

Surrounding Area:

C-

Rationale for Grades Given

The only reason this isn’t an F is there is “technically” food (a bowl of cucumbers) I can eat there consistently so I won’t starve.

There’s a couple expensive options in downtown Sylva but otherwise the closest restaurants to campus are fast food

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)

Nausea and Diarrhea and Digestive distress for days

Details About this Student's College Dining Experience

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

Not at all 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

There’s been so many, every time I eat there’s a concern over whether or not it will make me sick

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

No

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

No

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

I’d have a greater variety of allergen free options, and maybe even a station where students could get allergen free meals.

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

Right now I have to pick and choose my battles. I keep food to survive in my dorm and if I think that something has a small amount of something I can’t eat and it will just give me a tummy ache for the rest of the day I eat it because I have no choice.

Advice for Incoming Students:

Housing:

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

Dining Halls:

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

Meal Plans:

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

Dorms:

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

Stock up! Stock up! Stock up! Be prepared to keep yourself alive for at least a week in a row if necessary. Rice cups and soup off Amazon is great, so are applesauce pouches and baby food that have fruit, vegetables, and fiber in them.

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:

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