Food is what fuels the human body, but several students are struggling to find food that they can eat due to gluten-free and vegetarian options being limited on campus.

Senior Bria Meisse struggles with a gluten allergy and the limitations at the John C. Myers Convocation Center and Eagles’ Nest make it hard to find meals.

“Convo offers some gluten-free options, but their selection is limited to only a few items, which makes it extremely difficult for me to eat there,” said Meisse. “I would be repeatedly eating the same food over and over.”

With the lack of variations in gluten-free options, students like Meisse are canceling meal plans and choosing to make food on their own. However, not all students have the luxury to cook in their dorm rooms, such as sophomore Kylie Anneshansley.

“It can be hard sometimes because a lot of the specials they offer do not have a non-meat option,” Anneshansley remarked.

“You’ll have to go around to all the different stations and try to piece together a meal because there are no non-meat main dish options,” she added.

Some of the vegetarian and gluten-free food options offered at Convo are pizza crusts, a salad bar, pasta, plant-based chicken and gluten-free chicken.

According to General Manager of Dining Services, Fred Geib, gluten-free students can request gluten-free options and people who have Celiac can fill out a Google form for meals.

However, not many students know about this due to the lack of marketing. For students to be on the list they must have documentation of them being diagnosed with Celiac, but some students may have extreme tolerances that won’t show up as Celiac.

“I never received documentation of having Celiac, but I’m to the point where I cannot eat any gluten without becoming physically ill. I do not want to have to go through the process of testing for Celiac because I would be required to eat gluten for days straight and I don’t want to put my body through that,” Meisse said.

The limitations of Nest make it difficult for gluten-free students to find meals as well.
“Eagles’ Nest is not set up for [gluten-free options]. It’s quick service with grab-and-go salads, and some gluten-free buns,” Geib stated.

This puts gluten-free students at a disadvantage because if they want to have a quick meal, Nest and Convo are not options.

“I hope our University and Dining Services take note of the kids struggling to find food they can eat on campus. We pay to be here, so we should be offered food at all dining halls that are accommodating to our needs,” Meisse concluded.