Celiac College Student Survey submitted March, 2019
Food Service Vendor?
Unknown
What stage are you in college?
Sophomore
Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far.
I get 14 meals a week, plus $500 “flex points” every semester to use at other dining locations on campus. This is the typical meal plan. The dining halls all label all of the food with common allergens, and both hall has a separate gluten free sections. Many of the supplemental food areas on campus also have gluten free options.
How many years ago were you diagnosed with celiac?
5+
How sensitive to gluten are you?
Extremely: React to even small traces
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?
Totally yes, was what I expected
Grade your college on feeding celiac students
A-
Explain your rationale for that grade
All of the food is labeled with common allergens (barley, rye, etc. Is included in wheat on the labels), and I have never had a problem with any of the labeled food. That being said, there is not a lot of variety, but I think even the non-gf kids think that too!
Check all that apply
My school is medium sized and has a fair amount of dining halls, Ability to feed me is pretty consistent across dining halls, I feel comfortable eating at any dining hall on campus, Ability to eat well was a small part of my college selection process
Did you register with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.
Yes. I met with the dietician at the beginning of freshman year and she helped explain everything to me.
Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? Describe
Yes. There is a disabilities service person who helps with all food-related disabilities
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.
1
Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it
Not being able to eat at all of the “free food” events - people meet other people at events with food, and I am less likely to go because I can’t eat there anyways.
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?
every now and then, there are some food items that are not labeled with allergens. Please label them! Sometimes I would like to try them, but if they are not on the app or labeled, I do not feel comfortable.
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)?
Be creative! When I am getting tired of the same old thing, I often challenge myself to come up with creative new ideas. Some of my favorites are make your own chipotle bowl from the Mexican section and nachos using things from various sections across the dining hall.
Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?
Talk to the rector. Just this year, my dorm has become a lot more inclusive and has gf snacks at almost every dorm event.
Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?Scope out the options, and always have some spare food in your room.
Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?
Make sure you know which drinks you can have ahead of time, and drink responsibly.
Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness
A
Favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?
Chicory cafe, blaze pizza
Anything else you would like to add?
Good luck! It’s not so bad, as long as you are willing to try new things! I discovered a newfound liking of bananas and sweet potatoes because I wanted to expand my options.