Food Allergy and Celiac College Student Survey submitted February 2021

Describe your food restrictions by checking all relevant boxes

Celiac Disease, Milk Allergy

Grade your college on feeding students with your food restrictions

A

Food Service Vendor (if known)

Chartwells

Explain your rationale for that grade

Amazing support by food staff and their willingness to make me any of my favorite homes made meals gluten free

What stage are you in college?

Freshman

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

3-5

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 struggle with lots of bloating, dehydration, brain fog, swollen throat, and diarrhea or constipation

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?

Somewhat what I expected

Check all boxes that apply to your college experience

My school has many dining halls, Ability to feed me is fairly consistent 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, Ability to eat well was a critical part of my college selection process

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

YES

Describe each incident. How did your school respond?

One time I got served by a restaurant that was not guaranteed a gluten free space and it made me slightly sick, I called my food allergy advisor and she told me everything to avoid eating there and said they can change utensils or gloves when serving my food!

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.

15 meal tickets a week. A good plan is required to live in a dorm

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

Yes! I contacted them and they set me up with a food allergy advisor who takes care of my needs and checks on those making my food

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

I have good chefs and my food allergy advisor is a nutritionist so i’m in great hands

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 wouldn’t change a thing! Except more options at our healthy food station that everyone can eat at

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

I struggle with my favorite dining hall closing at 8pm so I cook things inside of my room sometimes as well. I have microwaveable and fridge food

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

I got assigned a single dorm with my accommodations. I have my own bathroom and single room so I don’t have to share food space/microwave/fridge. I also live in a dorm above the most accommodating food hall and it’s been amazingly convenient

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

Make sure you are choosing one dining hall that fits your food options the best and stick to that mostly so you can get to know the chefs. My favorite is Fulbright Dining Hall, I try to avoid Brough which has more fried foods but they have stations with gluten free food as well!

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

I have a regular Fridge/freezer, I use a rice cooker (they are allowed), and I also use a smoothie blender as well as a microwave. I like keeping things in my fridge to make smoothies, fruits, vegetables, frozen meals like mac n cheese, salami/ham/turkey, bread, and also anything else I find at the nearby Whole Foods.

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

Speak with Ashley Meek who is the food allergy advisor and nutritionist. Make sure you’re registered through the CEA (disability center) with a food allergy, and let housing know as well. Meet your chefs and be as kind as possible to them as they go out of their way to make anything you want !

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

I don’t have any food restrictions when it comes to that!

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 like eating at Mojos and also Marleys pizza. I enjoy Shakes for milkshakes. I love to shop at whole foods and CoOp and the nearby Walmart and Harps. There is a smallmart (the only in the world small walmart on campus) that I get snacks and drinks at, as well as my medicine. I use the find me gluten free app for restaurants and fast food places and I have found all of my favorites through that. I could go on forever about all the great restaurants and gf options in the area

Anything else you would like to add?

The staff is really sweet when it comes to accommodating food so always make sure to thank them and don’t even afraid to ask questions or stick up for your allergy