Celiac College Student Survey completed January 2019

Food Service Vendor?

I am not sure

What stage are you in college?

Freshman

Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far.

250 for the first semester , but I had over 100 left after the semester ended. For this semester I applied to get the lowest possible for freshman (210)

How many years ago were you diagnosed with celiac?

1-3

How sensitive to gluten are you?

Moderate: React sometimes

How would you describe the worst reaction you have had since diagnosis?

Bad

Does your college handle celiac food restrictions as you expected they would when you selected your school?

Somewhat what I expected

Grade your college on feeding celiac students

C+

Explain your rationale for that grade

Not many options other than the salad bar, grilled chicken and grilled vegetables

Check all that apply

My school is large with many dining halls, Ability to feed me varies greatly across dining halls, I am only comfortable eating in a few dining halls, I can find some but not enough food in any of the dining halls, I can't find any good options in the dining halls at all, I have great 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

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

Yes for migraines

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

Partially, there is a nutritionist who gave a few suggestions

How many times have you been glutenized in your dining hall? If you didn't answer NONE, please explain what happened and how school responded.

NONE

Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it

Finding foods to eat without having the same meal every day

If you were in charge of dining, what changes would you implement to better feed celiac students? Would your school be open to these suggestions?

I would simply provide more accessibility to the gluten free foods. At Rutgers you must text the dinning halls chefs at least 3hrs in advance if you want the special gluten free foods( gf pasta,bread,wraps etc). I would attempt to make these more accessible because as a student I do not always know when I will get hungry or go for my meals.

Did celiac impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for celiacs? Why?

Because I struggle so greatly with the dining halls, I have decided to live off campus in an apartment worth a kitchen, so I can cook for myself.

Your advice to new celiac kids for managing the dining halls? Favorite dining hall(s)?

I would recommend the grilled vegetables and chicken station. It’s yummy and healthy. Plus there is never really contamination in that section.

Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?My favorite snacks are mixed nut packets or protein bars because they are easy and filling. I also have a bunch of apples which are nice

Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?Become familiar with the other retaurants on your campus that accept meal swipes. For ex at Rutgers Kilmers market has a great tossed salad making station

Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?

It is not hard avoiding beer. Most kids bring there own drinks to parties anyways

Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness

A

Favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?

Hansel and Griddle, Kilmers market, Henrys dinner

Anything else you would like to add?

For those coming to college, be prepared to eat the same meals as the dining halls are very limited esp for dietary restrictions. This was something I was not prepared for.