Celiac College Student Survey submitted March, 2019
Food Service Vendor
N/A
What stage are you in college?
Senior
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.
My first two years I ate at the dining center. For everyone there was fruit and vegetables available. But as for the gluten free section it was out in a corner practically unseen. I have 1-2 choices for food each meal. Other salad bar options were open, but it was unknown if there was cross contamination. Now I live in a house and do not have a meal plan with the dining center. Buying food for myself becomes expensive quick regardless of what I get. Bread is $5 per loaf, anything that is usually “cheap college food” for most people, is still expensive when it’s made gluten free. Avoiding those types of food, and trying to eat more produce is expensive simply because it’s produce.
How many years ago were you diagnosed with celiac?
5+
How sensitive to gluten are you?
Very: React to small amounts
How would you describe the worst reaction you have had since diagnosis?
Really 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
B-
Explain your rationale for that grade
There were options, but they weren’t good, didn’t offer it for some meals, and a lot was unknown.
Check all that apply
My school is small and has only a few dining halls, Ability to feed me varies somewhat across dining halls, I feel comfortable eating at any dining hall on campus, I frequent certain dining halls because they have more options although all are safe, 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.
No
Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? Describe
Yes, but it was just an email to someone
How many times have you been glutenized in your dining hall?
2
If you didn't select NONE, what happened and how did school respond?
The school didn’t do anything, I just dealt with the issues it caused
Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it
Right now, its paying for expensive groceries. It’s so hard to go a month under $100.
If you were in charge of your school's dining, what changes would you implement to better feed celiac students? Would your school be open to these suggestions?
Have incoming students send in surveys of what types of food they’d like to see. Hire a specific person or two to manage the allergy section of the dining halls
Did celiac impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for celiacs? Why?
No
Your advice to new celiac kids for managing the dining halls? Favorite dining hall(s)?
Rialto has better options and usually tastes better
Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
There quite a bit of “normal” food that’s gluten free and tastes good. Fruit snacks, yogurt
Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?
Search out Restaurants in the area and email the person who claims to be in charge
Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?
Don’t go. Alcohol is risky and there are some things that are okay and some that aren’t. If you don’t know what it is, don’t risk it. If that’s your scene, pregame.
Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness
B-
Favorite places to eat in town or food shop?
Pablo’s Mexican grill, Aldi’s
Anything else you would like to add?
Nope