Food Allergy and Celiac College Student Survey submitted March 2022

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

D

Food Service Vendor (if known)

Café Bon Appétit

Explain your rationale for that grade

Only one member of the staff seems to have any knowledge or empathy for Celiac students. The managers make attempts to help the situation but are not really empathetic towards what an anxious freshman can realistically advocate for.

What stage are you in college?

Freshman

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 super depressed to the point of suicide watch and uncontrollable crying. I have extremely bad constipation for a week after an incident which creates a stabbing pain in my ribs.

(**See below for a note from Gluten Free Friends)

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?

Not at all 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, I assumed they could feed me and didn't think about it before I arrived

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

YES

Describe each incident. How did your school respond?

All three of the incidents involved me speaking to the all-male managing staff. I was asked many accusing questions about may have caused the error. I was also frequently accused of being a fad celiac and not diagnosed.

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.

We are required to have $2700 (Plan A) or $2600 (Plan B).

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

Yes I registered my disease after the second incident. This was so that if it happened again there was proof of an ongoing issue.

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

No

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 set aside a section of the cafeteria purely for allergy meals. I would also provide similar meal choices to what traditional students are prepared. They would not be open to this.

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

I have a gigantic fear of conflict and anxiety which makes advocating so much harder. I try to talk to the one staff member who is empathetic.

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

Yes at this point I am considering moving home due to poor dining conditions.

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

Claver Hall has gluten free snacks occasionally.

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

The pho restaurant in Rangers Station is wonderful and cheap.

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

Introduce themselves to the managers so that you already have a plan in place.

What's your advice on managing the party scene with your food restrictions?I don’t go to 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?

I have never gotten glutened anywhere but campus.

Anything else you would like to add?

The sushi cook is exceptional with gf.

**Some people with celiac disease report that exposure to gluten directly impacts their emotional state. Pay attention if this is one of your symptoms. and discuss it with your medical doctor and/or mental health professional. Please seek help from a mental health professional if you ever have suicidal thoughts or are simply struggling to cope. Many campuses have both on-site and remote counselors available. Insurance companies also often have counseling resources listed on their websites.

If you find yourself in crisis and without support, please reach out to a suicide prevention hotline:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or text "TALK" to 741741 or call 911