In June 2008, members of
The National Association of College & University Food Services were invited to tell about the resources available at their institutions for the gluten-free college student with
celiac disease. Below is information provided by Richard Turnbull, Associate Director, University Housing And Dining Services at
Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.
What advice would you give to a high school senior with celiac disease who is thinking of applying to your school?
I'd ask the student to meet with me so that I could introduce her/him to our chefs. I'd let the student know that I want them to be comfortable coming into our kitchens and asking the chef or our Nutrition Education Manager any questions they may have about the food being prepared. I do a walk-through of the various campus restaurants with them to show the items offered that are gluten-free. And we set aside some space in our walk-in for foods to be only used for the student with celiac disease. I'd also recommend that they choose the lowest meal plan and supplement that with other food items for the first term until they become comfortable with the choices we offer.
What special accommodations would your school’s dining services be able to make to feed a student with celiac disease?
The student can work one-on-one with the chef of their closest dining facility to receive specially prepared foods. We also set aside refrigerated storage space for them to store other foods that are dedicated to them.
Are students allowed to have cooking appliances in the freshmen dorms (such as microwaves, hotplates, toaster ovens, etc.)?
With restrictions. They may have a microwave-fridge combination unit that draws exceptionally low amps. No hotplates or toaster ovens for fire safety reasons.
What special resources, if any, are available at your school for students with special dietary requirements?
The university has a dietitian in Student Health Services that is available to all students for nutrition advice and assistance and University Housing And Dining Services also has a dietitian who assists in menu and recipe development as well as providing students with nutrition information.
How can people contact you for more information?
Write to Richard.Turnbull@oregonstate.edu
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