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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:
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