Campus Dining and Food Allergies

by Isabel Contreras

As a freshman, my gluten intolerance was a little bit daunting. I had no idea if I would be able to eat at every restaurant and dining hall or whether I would need an accommodation.

Looking back as a junior, I have no idea why I was even nervous! Being a student on campus with a food allergy has been a bit of a learning curve, but the Christopher Newport community  made everything much easier on me. Each station in the dining hall is clearly labeled with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Plus, the navigator app allows me the ability to see what is going to be the best option for me in each dining hall with their menu tabs.

Now, I am able to grab my weekly (gluten free) custom Chick-fil-A sandwich from the staff who know me by name! I know exactly who to talk to when I have questions. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to eat in dining halls and restaurants on campus whenever I please and know that there will be options for me.

Some of you may not think this is a largely important concept, being able to have allergy friendly options. For those of you with allergies, you know better than most how stressful it can be to travel or live somewhere where you can’t eat what everyone else can. It can be extremely isolating and embarrassing. I feel normal on this campus in this way and I couldn’t be more grateful.