Celiac College Student Survey completed February 2019
Food Service Vendor?
Bon Appetit
What stage are you in college?
Freshman
Please describe your meal plan for each year there so far.
Freshmen required to be on the “silver plan,” which is designed to meet the average student’s needs
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?
Mostly what I expected
Grade your college on feeding celiac students
A-
Explain your rationale for that grade
There are a lot of gluten-free options, and I can request recipes to be made. However, I have to order food well in advance, which prevents me from engaging in the social aspect of eating. There’s a grocery store with several gluten-free options if I want something quick, though. Also, they’re usually very careful about cross-contamination and other hazards, but I ordered pasta during orientation that ended up not being gluten-free, so I had to miss out on getting to know people in orientation activities.
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, I have great options at all of the dining halls, Ability to eat well was a critical part of my college selection process
Did you register with your students disabilities office for accommodations? If yes, describe.
Yes, but they said everything is handled by dining services only. I just have to order through a chef or through an app.
Are there resources (nutritionists, chefs, peer support groups) to help ensure you are receiving safe nutritious food? Describe
I have met with chefs and nutritionists to help set up a dining system that works well for my Celiac needs.
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: They gave me pasta that was not totally gluten-free. I emailed them about the issue, and they responded saying that they threw out all of the pasta and would refund me for the meal. The day after that, though, one of my Celiac friends got sick after eating the pasta, so we just have to avoid it.
Describe your biggest celiac challenge at college and how you manage it
The biggest challenge is the social elements associated with eating. I often just get something from the grocery store so I can eat with friends. If I order a meal, they could be done eating by the time my food is made.
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 suggest having a gluten-free closet with a toaster and other dedicated items along with easy, quick meals. They are open to this suggestion but have yet to find space for such a thing.
Did celiac impact your housing decision? How? Is there a certain dorm you recommend for celiacs? Why?
Housing has no impact on this.
Your advice to new celiac kids for managing the dining halls? Favorite dining hall(s)?
They all offer the same things mostly.
Your advice to new celiac kids for eating in the dorm? Favorite snacks? Places that deliver?Dominos gluten-free pizza is actually really good and it’s super close by. Also, Paws&Go has Smash Mallow, which makes super good marshmallows. The best place is New Day Gluten Free though. Some items are in Paws&Go, but it’s easily accessible by bus or even walking.
Your advice to new celiac kids on preparing before they come? Or doing upon first arrival?Get to know the chefs, and order through the app so you don’t haven to wait around.
Your advice to new celiac kids on managing keg parties and alcohol scene?
Google whatever people are drinking to make sure it’s safe.
Grade your college town area for celiac friendliness
B
Favorite places to eat in town or foodshop?
New Day Gluten Free
Anything else you would like to add?
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