Food Allergy and Celiac College Student Survey submitted June 2022

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

A

Food Service Vendor (if known)

Sodexo

Explain your rationale for that grade

They are very accommodating and implement feedback quickly.

What stage are you in college?

Sophomore

How many years ago were you diagnosed with food allergies or celiac disease?

5+

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.

I get very sick if I have gluten or am cross contaminated. I experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue.

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?

Totally yes, was what I expected

Check all boxes that apply to your college experience

My school has only a few dining halls, I feel safe eating at any dining hall on campus, I have sufficient options at all of the dining halls, Ability to eat well was a critical part of my college selection process

Have you had a reaction from eating in your dining hall?

NO

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.

I have had a full meal plan which covers 3 meals a day, 7 days a week plus an extra weekly meal as a “just in case”. In addition around $200 in dining dollars are a part of the plan which can be used for snacks or adding something to your meal like a milkshake.

Did you register your food restrictions with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.

Yes, I am registered with disabilities. I receive housing accommodations to live without a roommate. They also guarantee that the food program is adequate to meet my needs and I meet with them each semester to give suggestions.

Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? If yes, describe.

I am on the housing/dining committee in our schools government called Diplomatic Congress. In addition there is a school dietician and managers of the dining locations on campus.

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?

I am working with staff currently to get a gf waffle station similar to the non-gf version found in our dining hall. I think that F&M will be accepting of this

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

It can be difficult when going out since I sometimes have to cancel plans that revolve around food. My close friends understand but when meeting people for the first time it can be awkward going somewhere that I can’t get anything.

Did your food restrictions impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for those with food restrictions? Why?

I personally felt most comfortable not having a roommate so that there would be no one to bring gluten into my dorm which in my eyes should feel like a safe space. I think a person with Celiac could thrive with a roommate as well, however, just as with all roommates, you could get very unlucky and be stuck with a bad fit until changes are made.

What's your advice for managing the dining halls with your food restrictions? Favorite dining hall(s)? Any dining halls to avoid?

Steinman College Center which we call CC is one of my favorites because I can get a burger, cheese steak, quesadilla, and more with fries made in the air fryer (they also have ice cream like Ben and Jerry’s depending on the week)! The dining hall is also really good for the most part, the food tends to be very healthy that is gluten free but there is a lot of interesting world cuisine. They also always have chicken and rice but that can get old which is why I also check the menu using the bite app ahead of time to see if I want to go or not.

What's your advice for eating in the dorm with your food restrictions? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?

I would definitely recommend getting a micro fridge (or a separate microwave and fridge if your school allows it). I would make snacks in my room a lot when I didn’t want to go out to get one or wasn’t hungry enough for a meal. Blue Line, a cafe on campus, usually has gf sandwiches which is a good thing to keep in the fridge. Nachos in the microwave were another quick and easy snack.

What do you recommend new students with food restrictions do before school starts? Or when they first arrive?

Speaking with staff is a must to build a rapport. The dining staff should know who you and you should feel comfortable talking to them if an issue arises. Definitely plan on some staple items you’d want in your dorm as well just in case food isn’t available on move in day.

What's your advice on managing the party scene with your food restrictions?

I don’t drink and would trust food or alcohol at a party. If you plan on partying and want to drink, definitely avoid jungle juice, punch, etc. and stick with bottled/canned drinks you know are gf.

Grade your college town area for feeding people with your food restrictions

A

Explain your grade. What are your favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?

There are a lot of healthy shopping options/farmers markets with gluten free food. Lancaster central market is a great option as well as Whole Foods, Wegmans, Lemon st market, and Leg up farmers market (a bit of a drive). Lancaster cupcake almost always has gf and the food truck comes pretty often to campus. P.F. Chang’s and chipotle are the only places I’ve been in town to eat at in person but I’ve heard that there are good local options like Slovaki boys that I’ll have to try.

Anything else you would like to add?

N/A