Navigating campus dining with Celiac Disease is daunting. Generally speaking, many universities are adopting processes and practices that make eating gluten-free at college easier. This involves the expansion of gluten-free food choices and healthy eating options within campus dining programs.
University of South Carolina: A forerunner of making eating gluten-free at college easy
In the past, we’ve written about how the University of South Carolina collaborated with foodservice partner Sodexo to enhance its gluten-free college dining offerings. The initiative was prompted by a noticeable increase in students with gluten intolerance or a preference for gluten-free diets.
Source | Photo Credit: University of South Carolina website
Working alongside Sodexo back in 2017, University of South Carolina administrators sought solutions to accommodate this growing demand.
- One move the University of South Carolina made was to transform one of its dining halls, Naturally Woodstock, into a completely gluten-free dining location.
- Another step was featuring a gluten-free dining option called Plan-It Healthy, located within the university’s Grand Market Place. This venue exclusively offers gluten-free items. Menus are rotated and feature at least two different entrées and three vegetable options daily.
More dedicated gluten-free dining options on college campuses
Moves like those described at the University of South Carolina reflect a broader trend in higher education. Colleges are increasingly providing dedicated gluten-free dining spaces on campus. These efforts aim to accommodate students with Celiac Disease or those adhering to gluten-free lifestyles.
The move to accommodate gluten-free lifestyles also highlights an opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, and food specialists, like dietitians, to meet the dietary needs of individuals with medically prescribed special diets, such as gluten-free.
However, the success of gluten-free college dining halls relies on proper education, training, and monitoring of both staff and students. Measures must be in place to prevent the introduction of gluten-containing items from outside sources. These considerations underscore the importance of careful planning and implementation in creating inclusive dining environments on college campuses.
How colleges can enhance gluten-free dining options on campus
Enhancing gluten-free dining options on college campuses can involve several strategies to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. We outline some of the strategies below. This also is a good list for students and parents to keep in mind when researching potential colleges. Also try to observe dining hall practices during campus visits.
Menu Transparency
Providing clear labeling and ingredient lists for all food items, including gluten-free options, helps students make informed choices about their meals.
Diverse Offerings
Offering a wide variety of gluten-free options across different cuisines and meal types can cater to diverse dietary preferences and needs.
Cross-Contamination Prevention
Implementing strict protocols in food preparation areas to prevent cross-contact with gluten containing ingredients is crucial to maintaining the integrity of gluten-free offerings.
Allergen-Free Zones
Designating specific dining areas or stations as allergen-free zones, including gluten-free, can offer peace of mind to students with dietary restrictions.
Student Feedback and Engagement
Actively seeking feedback from students about their dining experiences and preferences can help continuously improve gluten-free offerings and address any challenges or concerns.
Collaboration with Student Organizations
Partnering with student-led organizations focused on food allergies and intolerances can provide valuable insights and advocacy for improving gluten-free dining options on campus.
Education and Awareness
Offering educational resources and workshops about gluten intolerance, Celiac Disease, and gluten-free diets can raise awareness and promote understanding among students, faculty, and staff.
Community Support
Building a supportive community around gluten-free dining, including peer support groups and social events centered around gluten-free food, can create a sense of belonging for students with dietary restrictions.
By implementing these additional measures, colleges and universities can create inclusive dining environments that accommodate the needs of students following gluten-free diets, fostering a positive and supportive campus experience for all.
Examples of gluten-free dining options at some top universities
In addition to the University of South Carolina highlighted above, and in a dedicated blog found here, below is a list of additional colleges and universities known for their efforts to provide gluten-free options for students with Celiac Disease.
The University of Arizona
According to The University of Arizona’s website, UA Culinary Services Restaurants offer various options for students with Celiac Disease. These include:
- Core Plus at the Global Center, a gluten-free facility
- On Deck Deli at Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC) offers an enclosed case with items that do not contain gluten, gluten-free bagels and bread, as well as a dedicated toaster for gluten-free bread
- Cactus Grill at SUMC and ’85 North offer gluten-free buns for burgers
- Arizona Market in SUMC, all of the university’s convenience stores (Highland, Park Market) have gluten-free grocery options
Source: The University of Arizona website
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder features gluten-free options in their dining halls and has a dedicated gluten-free station. According to dining information of the university’s website:
- The top nine food allergens – gluten, eggs, milk, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat (gluten) and sesame – are identified and labeled in the dining centers using A9 Allergens signing.
- Gluten-free breads, bagels, and cereals are available in the dining centers.
- Retail and grab-n-go outlets offer gluten-free items. All prepared food are labelled for allergens.
Source / Photo Credit: University of Colorado Boulder website
Stanford University
Source / Photo Credit: Stanford University website
Stanford University dining halls offer gluten-free options, which typically includes some entrees, sides, soups, and grains. Gluten-free bread is available in all dining halls, and some have additional gluten-free options, e.g.:
- Stern Dining Hall offers gluten-free tortillas and salad bars
- Wilbur Dining Hall offers gluten-free rice noodles for pho
- Florence Moore Dining Hall features weekly gluten-free lunch specials
- Access-controlled pantries are also available, which have packaged gluten-free breads, dairy alternatives, and allergy-friendly baked goods
Tips for navigating dining options and eating gluten-free at college
What we’ve highlighted above are just a few examples. There are many other U.S. colleges and universities making strides in accommodating students with Celiac Disease and other dietary restrictions as well.
If you have Celiac Disease or are gluten intolerant, we encourage you to:
- Do your research. Understand in advance how the colleges you’re interested in can accommodate students with food allergies and other special dietary needs.
- Contact the residential dining / meal services office at the colleges in your consideration set. Gain a better understanding of what food options are available by speaking directly with dining administrators or staff nutritionists.
- Don’t discount the value of college visits. There’s no better way to gain a clear picture of university culture, living, and dining options than experiencing it first-hand. So, take advantage of college visits to learn about dining services and what meal options are available for special diets.
Here are some additional resources about gluten-free campus dining at colleges and universities across America.
Guide to Pitt dining halls for students with dietary restrictions, August 26, 2024 – Source: The Pitt News
UNL Dining Services earns Gold rating for food allergy accommodations, August 13, 2024 – Source: 1011 NOW KOLN
Moxie’s Café earns gold status for food allergy safety, opens to public, August 1, 2024 – Source: Nebraska Today, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Reber-Thomas Dining Center wins two Grand Prizes for collegiate dining, July 29, 2024 – Source: Liberty University
BYU’s Cannon Center Opens New Allergen Friendly Food Area for Gluten-Free Students, May 1, 2024 – Source: Celiac.com
Celiac-Safe: Gluten-Free Dining Challenges at Val [Amherst College], Apr 24, 2024 – Source: The Amherst Student by June Dorsch ’27 (student)
Cornell once again atop Spokin’s list of Food Allergy-Friendly Colleges, May 15, 2024 – Source: Cornell Student and Campus Life – Cornell University
Gluten-Free Healthy Eating | UCLA Health – YouTube, 2024