The College Roundup: Gluten Free Campus News
The good and the bad! Here is the gluten free college roundup for 2023.
(Good) Campus News:
University of Nebraska at Lincoln: their food service team believes no student should be forced to hike across campus for a good meal, be limited to restrictive meal plans, or have to scour websites to find options that work for their diets.
“Personally, I've always felt that if a student has to leave campus to get something they want, we're probably not doing our job as well as we should,” says Director of Dining Dave Annis.
More here: https://www.foodservicedirector.com/foodservice-operation-month/meeting-students-where-they-are-foods-they-want
Villanova University (Villanova, PA): The Villanova Gluten Free Clubis an organization on campus for students with any type of gluten intolerance, offering a safe space for them to connect with one another. Their mission: empower students to be their own advocates and provide them with the courage needed to raise their voices and demand meals that are safe and healthy for them.
“There are changes that need to be made,” club President Belle Wronko said. “Before we started, [we would] all try to make our own personal advocacy. As a group, we could have a stronger voice together.”
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) made history by opening the first certified allergen friendly bakery on a college campus with the opening of The Difference Baker. "It is truly a dream come true. We are so excited to spread our love through allergen-friendly and safe food for those who can’t live without it!” ~ Alyssa Sobeck, owner of The Difference Baker.
Everything they sell is CERTIFIED, free from gluten, tree nuts, soy, and sesame (with dairy-free options too). Not only do they sell sweet items, but savory ones too, like pizza and sandwiches!
Iowa State (Ames, IA): students offer insight into the dining program. At Season’s Marketplace, student Claire Carpenter can eat gluten-free pizza, gluten-free pasta, and salad, but she said it is about how many times she wants to eat that during the week. “I can go to any dining hall on campus,” Carpenter said. “They all have some kind of accommodation.”
Lafayette College (Easton, PA): In a CYA (cover your 🍑) move, Lafayette College changed signage at the gluten free station to read “gluten friendly.” Thanks to the advocacy work of a current gluten free student, the school is changing the signage again to read “Gluten Free Favorites.”
(Bad) Campus News:
University of Massachusetts (Lowell, MA): students share the downsides of dining at the school, including, even with allergen-free stations, like few options, strange/unappealing offerings, salad bar labeled as "striving to be gluten free" but serving pasta, lack of labeling/ingredients and more.
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AK); students weigh in: “More than just one entree would really help because it gives variety. Right now, I’m just stuck with whatever they give me because I really can't get any of the other stations in the dining hall.” More here: https://www.uatrav.com/news/article_2807effa-61fd-11ee-b32e-57e5a295f817.html
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA): hear from a current student about the state of dining there. Spoiler alert: It’s so disappointing when a school goes from decent food options to poor: http://tinyurl.com/2p9kum27.
Williams College (Williamstown, MA): this student articulates so well the frustrations of many gluten free students, from the limitations of allergen stations to non-supportive administration.
"The problem is that the College does not consider students with dietary restrictions enough of a concern to allocate more resources toward addressing equity and quality issues in dining. We are not being divas or asking for too much when we ask for food that is safe, properly cooked, appropriate to our health needs, and at least somewhat appetizing.
There is a psychological cost to all of this that cannot be understated. Not knowing whether your next meal will be edible, repeatedly going up against the administration, asking for help, and being met with months of delay and silence — it’s too much for any college student to deal with on top of their studies, work, and extracurriculars."
Appalachian State University (Boone, NC): students share their struggles to eat on campus.
👉 Do you have your own GF college experience, good or bad, that you’d like to share? Comment below.
Please grow our community by sharing this blog post with someone who could benefit from the info. Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Back School: 4 Tips for Surviving the Dining Hall
Many college students rely on dining halls for their meals, but finding gluten-free options can be challenging. For students with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, eating at dining halls can be a daunting task. However, with a little bit of planning and knowledge, it is possible to find gluten-free options that are both nutritious and delicious. Check out these useful tips to help your student make the most of their school's dining hall resources and navigate their way around the facility.
4 Tips for Surviving the Dining Hall
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see unsafe practices in the dining hall when it comes to preparing and handling gluten free foods. For example, kindly request that food servers switch gloves before handling gluten-free items to avoid cross-contamination. Dining halls can get very busy and the staff may not always be mindful of these small but very important details.
2. Avoid Peak Dining Hall Hours
If you can, avoid going to the dining hall at its busiest times. Trying to navigate a crowded space while also looking for gluten-free options can be overwhelming, stressful, and uneventful. Going during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon will allow for more time to ask and field questions about gluten-free food options so that students do not feel rushed.
3. Check the Dining hall Menu Before You Go
Many college dining halls now post their menus online. Take a look at the menu before heading to the dining hall and plan your meals in advance. Look for naturally gluten-free foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Make note of which days and times these foods are available.
4. Talk with the Food Service Management Staff
Be sure to reach out to the food service management staff about their gluten free food options. To make sure you're getting the right food, ask about the specific ingredients used in the dish you're interested in, even if it's typically gluten-free. Make sure to inquire about how the food was prepared, and whether cross-contact with gluten has been prevented in the kitchen.
Extra Tips!
Stick to whole foods. Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins that are naturally gluten-free. These options are typically safer than processed foods, which may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Bring your own snacks. Keep a stash of gluten-free snacks in your dorm room or backpack for when you need a quick bite between classes or study sessions. This way, you'll always have something safe to eat on hand.
Try an omelet bar at breakfast or brunch. Make sure the pan has been thoroughly cleaned after previous use or ask if a separate, clean pan can be used instead.
DIY sandwich bars could be a good option. In some cases, gluten-free bread may be available. Make sure it remains packaged or in a sealed container that’s separate from gluten-containing bread before you use it.
Helpful Links to Know
Guide to a Gluten-Free College Experience
GFC 101 Online Course Coming Fall 2023
The Gluten Free College 101 online course will be back this fall! Click the link to add your name to the waitlist.
Thank you!
Gluten Free College 101 Gift Guide
Gluten Free Gift Guide
We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post contains affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, may earn us a small commission. Thank you so much!
Updated 12/4/23
William James Gifts
William James Gifts is a special business founded by Calli McPherson, who has Celiac herself. After her diagnosis in 2018, she founded William James Gifts, a gluten free gift basket company that ships curated gluten free products all over the world.
Just in time for holiday gift giving, entertaining, or sending to your college student studying for finals, these baskets are perfect for anyone gluten free on your list.
Here are some of the gourmet products inside: Masa Tortilla Chips, assorted chocolates, salsa, sugar cookie mix, pizza almonds, and more!
Visit William James Gifts to shop!
Little GF Chefs
Little GF Chefs has developed scrumptious baking kits that are gluten-free, without artificial dyes, and free of the most prevalent food allergens like nuts, soy, eggs, and dairy. Their goal is to encourage and enhance self-esteem through enjoyable baking experiences.
Kits come in a variety of options, including Unicorn Donuts, soft pretzel bites, and gingerbread houses, and are perfect for any season or just for some daily fun.
Visit Little GF Chefs to shop!
Modify Health Meals
As a parent of a teen with Celiac, I have many middle-of-the-night ruminations. And no surprise, most center around food. Is it safe, is she getting enough, and is it meeting her nutritional needs? That's why it felt like an answered prayer when, one night before dinner, my daughter requested the Savory Chicken and Leek Mashed Potatoes meal from ModifyHealth I had in the freezer. Even better, she ate the whole thing! All meals arrive frozen and are simply heat and eat. Their focus is nutritiously balanced meals developed by a dietician, and everything they offer is gluten free, organic, and non-GMO. They have a great variety to choose from, too - perfect for when food fatigue sets in from eating the same meals over and over. Gluten Free meals from ModifyHealth are perfect when you need something quick and can be easily stored in a dorm freezer. I was able to stack quite a few without using much freezer real estate. First-time orders get a nice discount too.
Visit Modify Health to sign up!
Color Coded Kitchen Accessories
Think cookware, utensils, and cutting ware - these are all items that a new grad could use in the fall. To prevent cross-contact in a shared kitchen using color coded tools could help to make this process easier for your student.
Check out this kitchen set from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xvqtLE
Equal Eats
Equal Eats
Make sure to check out the allergy card for Celiac Disease from Equal Eats if you're traveling to see loved ones this holiday season. These credit card-sized cards give dining establishments the exact information they need to keep us safe. They can be helpful when dining abroad or at your local ethnic restaurant.
Visit Equal Eats to purchase. For 10% off use code ANDREATUCKER
Gift Cards for Local GF Businesses
If you know of any safe local gluten free businesses that ship, why not purchase a gift card for family and friends! You may even be able to do this digitally. From yummy sweet and savory treats to pizza kits, there are some great gluten free businesses to choose from.
Check out these Dedicated GF Businesses That Ship nationwide.
Hanging Snack Station
Fill a hanging shoe bag that you would hang over the back of a door with healthy gluten free snacks for your student to enjoy whenever! After they’ve gone through all of the snacks they will hopefully continue to use the bag as a snack station. This is a great way to help your grad stay organized in the kitchen too.
IKEA Bags
Photo from Unsplash
Most of us have seen and maybe even own one (or a few) blue and yellow Ikea bags. Maybe you’ve used them to store clothing, items for the home, etc. They are huge and perfect for transporting a student’s personal items too! Gift them a few of these bags for their move to campus in the fall.
Words With Boards
Gluten Free cutting board from Words With Boards
This company made Oprah’s Favorite Things List and they definitely make mine! Send your student, family, or friend a personalized cutting board and food markers that say Gluten Free from Words With Boards. These are the perfect entertaining accessory or gifts.
Visit Words With Boards to shop!
GF Pasta Making Classes Online
Photo from Caitlin on airbnb
Give your student and friends the gift of Gluten Free Pasta! Catalin Varela, a college grad with Celiac, now living in Italy, offers an online GF pasta-making class via Airbnb Experiences. You'll feel like you're in her kitchen, cooking alongside her. This is a great opportunity to learn how to make pasta. No special equipment is needed and only 4 ingredients!
GF Jules Pizza Lovers Kit
Photo from Unsplash
Who doesn’t love pizza? We think your student would be thankful for this gift. This pizza mix has been voted the Best pizza mix by the gluten free community for years running. Jules selected the ingredients to get that perfect “chew” out of your gluten free pizza dough. It's super easy to make; just add oil, egg whites, and apple cider vinegar and stir with contents of the mix. That's it.
All About Vibe Custom Pillows
There's no question in my mind, our dog Bella will be the most-missed family member when my daughter goes to college next year! So when I saw this gift idea, I couldn't resist the idea of Katie snuggling up to a soft, custom-cut pillow of Bella in her dorm. At night, or whenever she needed some pet love, it would almost be as good as the real thing. I ordered it for a holiday gift and can't wait to see her open it (one for my younger daughter in HS too).
If you know someone who could use a friendly face at school (it doesn't have to be a pet either!), here's a deal for 25% off your order: visit All About Vibe.