GFF College Dining Survey submitted December 2022
Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes
Celiac Disease
Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions
B-
Explain your rationale for that grade
Safety provided in top 8 allergen free station, but lacks variety and variation (rotating menu)
What stage are you in college?
Freshman
How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?
5+
Food Service Vendor (if known)
Bon Appetit
Please use this space to provide details that would help us better understand your food restrictions. Include your reaction if exposed to the foods you are avoiding. Please mention if you carry an epi-pen.
Celiac disease - nausea, indigestion, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, cramping
If you indicated that you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, how sensitive are you to gluten?
Extremely: React to even small traces
Does your college handle food restrictions as you expected they would when you selected your school?
Mostly what I expected
Check all boxes that apply to your college experience
My school has only a few dining halls, Ability to feed me varies significantly across dining halls, I have at least one safe dining hall, but avoid some dining halls, I have sufficient options at some of the dining halls, Ability to eat well was a critical part of my college selection process, I asked alot of questions before I came but the reality was different
Have you had a reaction from eating in your dining hall?
YES
Describe each incident. How did your school respond?
I emailed the dietician, she reviewed the meal plan for the day, and made sure I was safe going forward
Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far. Include if your school required any of these decisions. If you are eating in a greek house or other club type arrangement include that as well.
University meal plan, 2 dining hall meals a day, flex dollars /flex meals for additional grab and go style meals in the cafe
Did you register your food restrictions with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.
Yes, registered celiac, provided exam accommodations and access to microwave and air fryer in dorm room
Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? If yes, describe.
Dietician/nutritionist, fellow students with dietary restrictions
If you were in charge of your school's dining, what changes would you implement to better feed students with your food restrictions? Would your school be open to these suggestions?
More variety, more dessert options, different grab and go “basic” options (chicken tenders, pizza, etc). My university welcomes requests and opinions and accommodates to the best of their ability
Describe your biggest challenge with managing your food restrictions at college and how you deal with it
Lack of variety - food options are redundant, being on a rotating menu. I cook a lot of meals in my microwave and air fryer, and utilize the cooking space of my dorm kitchen, for which I have my own pots, pans, and utensils
Did your food restrictions impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for those with food restrictions? Why?
Yes, my dorm (Irvington House) has a kitchen. The other freshman dorm, Residential College, does not. Residential College contains a dining hall that does not offer allergen friendly options. If you intend to cook some of your own meals, kitchen access in Irvington is convenient
What's your advice for managing the dining halls with your food restrictions? Favorite dining hall(s)? Any dining halls to avoid?
Eat off the allergen station in Atherton Marketplace (main dining hall). Plum Market, the cafe, will make sandwiches on gluten free bread, but takes a long time. Avoid the Residential College dining hall, as they do not offer allergen friendly options
What's your advice for eating in the dorm with your food restrictions? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Request as many accommodations as possible. I make ramen, Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, frozen meals, etc in my microwave and air fryer. DoorDash offers delivery of Baby’s burgers, Lou Malnati’s delivers gf pizza, gluten free dining is easier done in person than delivery
What do you recommend new students with food restrictions do before school starts? Or when they first arrive?
Speak with student disability services and register your restrictions once you decide to attend. Communicate with disability and housing for appliance accommodations. Speak with Katy Maher, the dietician, and introduce yourself and your restrictions to her
What's your advice on managing the party scene with your food restrictions?
Sorority dinners were accommodating of all restrictions, events will ask if you have restrictions prior to the event, relies on a lot of self indication and advocation
Grade your college town area for feeding people with your food restrictions
B
Explain your grade. What are your favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?
Not a ton of options right off campus, have to go to Broad Ripple (15 mins) or Keystone Ave (20 mins) for variety. In Broad Ripple, I like Cholita Tacos and Ripple Bagel and Deli
Anything else you would like to add?
Make sure you advocate for yourself. Disability and housing/dining do not always communicate, so get in touch with everyone