GFF College Dining Survey submitted October 2022

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

A-

Explain your rationale for that grade

2/3 of the dining halls have an allergen-free restaurant— I wish it was in all! Staff are usually willing to help but sometimes don’t understand. I do wish there were more gluten-free options at C-stores & at the student center, but there are definitely options. Allergens are listed online (Net Nutrition) & on signs but are occasionally absent. As someone with celiac, eating at IU is 100% doable but on occasion difficult.

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.

GI distress

If you indicated that you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, how sensitive are you to gluten?

Very: React to small amounts

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 many dining halls, Ability to feed me varies significantly across dining halls, I feel safe eating at any dining hall on campus, I have sufficient options at some 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 relatively large meal plan both years. A meal plan is required first year. I have a meal plan with both dining hall swipes and flexible dining money.

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

No

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

Dietitian

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 would be more consistent with having safe food more easily accessible in non-dining hall restaurant locations such as the student center.

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

Lack of food variety. If you communicate with chefs ahead of time, they are very willing to make you more unique meals. Chef Jack at Forest is great!

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

No

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

McNutt & Wright have allergy-free stations. In Forest dining hall, pay attention to signs, may need to ask for chef or manager. IMU is a difficult place to eat except for salad bar. Wells library has gf bread at restaurants & good cross-contamination protocols.

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

Microwave/fridge/large freezer.

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

Keep safe microwaveable meals in your dorm.

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

Eat beforehand, and stick to safe snacks available while at parties.

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?

Most restaurants know what gluten-free chocolate is. I like Siam House as it has an extensive GF menu. I also like Chick fil a, Azzip Pizza, & Chipotle in Bloomington as they all have good protocols if you mention an allergy.

Anything else you would like to add?

IU is a great school in many aspects, & I’m very grateful to go here. There are some downsides in terms of food offerings, but it is possible to eat safely. For me, it is definitely worth it to go to IU & I’m glad I decided to go here.