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Advocating for inclusive, safe dining for college students with food restrictions
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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