From a dedicated gluten-free bakery to iPad reviews of food ingredients, colleges and universities are making it easier for students with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity to navigate campus dining options. Though it still can be a challenge finding safe and varied meals, things are improving because of these developments. Here are some examples of what colleges across the country are doing.
The University of Connecticut in 2015 opened the first certified gluten-free bakery on a U.S. college campus. The university also offers a full gluten-free menu in its food court.
At North Carolina State University, dining services utilize iPads in each dining hall, allowing gluten-free students to look up ingredients for each dish being served. The staff also keeps in touch with students via email with friendly reminders about gluten-free foods being served.
Since there are no residential dining halls at the University of Arizona, Core+, a dedicated gluten-free facility, offers made-to-order stir-fry, fajitas and salads. And the On Deck Deli prepares gluten-free sandwiches and bagels in a dedicated area.
Temple University alum Justine Carmine founded Happy Hippy, a vegan and gluten-free food catering and distribution company. The prepackaged food is available at the university’s Student Center and Morgan Hall Food Court.
—Greg Chiakulas
