Food Allergy and Celiac College Student Survey Submitted December 2019

Food Service Vendor (if known)

Sysco

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

D

Explain your rationale for that grade

Food is not safe from cross-contamination

What stage are you in college?

Sophomore

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

Less than 1

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease

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.

The smallest amount of gluten causes me horrible stomach problems, along with fatigue and joint pain

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?

Not at all what I expected

Check all boxes that apply to your college experience

My school has many dining halls, I cannot eat safely at any dining halls, I do not have sufficient options at any dining halls

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

YES

Describe each incident. How did your school respond?

Too many incidents to count, but all ended in stomach issues and fatigue. School did not want to let me out of meal plan

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 eat at a greek house for just about every meal

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

Yes

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

Yes

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 suggest an environment free of cross-contamination. Probably not

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

Cross-contamination is my biggest struggle. I kind of just have to deal with the consequences

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

No, i was required to live on campus freshman year and in a sorority house sophomore year

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

I avoid all dining halls now

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

I purchase food that i keep in my dorm. I enjoy gluten free animal crackers, string cheese, and welch’s gummies

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

In my case, i wish i had been removed from the meal plan and been able to live in an apartment so i could cook for myself

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

I dont eat food unless i know its safe

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

C+

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

A few restaurants offer gluten free options such as strombolis and bulldog burger

Anything else you would like to add?

College is very difficult with a food restriction