Does anyone have first hand experience of living on campus with multiple food allergies (peanuts, tree nuts) and gluten intolerance? I’d love to hear recent experiences.
can’t say I specifically know about the Richmond café, but having visited over 30 colleges over the past couple years for my first 2 kids, all the universities seemed conditioned on dealing with allergies – many have allergy free/gluten free offerings, places to sit that are peanut free, and always the ability to consult with the chef regarding choices. much different from my time in college when we had 3 hot choices - and it was what it was.
My daughter is a sophomore and does not have food allergies but does have food sensitivities which contribute to migraines (wheat, soy etc). The dining hall has accommodated her and she has access to other food which she can eat. Hope this helps.
UR is well equipped to handle this! Everything is labeled with whether it has nuts and/or gluten. In particular to gluten issues, I have friends that are gluten intolerant or celiac, and they have been fine (I myself am gluten sensitive). In the dining hall, they actually have desserts that are completely gluten-free and separate from the other desserts, and have gluten-free pasta that can be made if you call ahead. Those with celiac typically work with the school nutritionist, and meals are prepared especially for them. There is also a special fridge that they can gain access to. They’re covered in plastic wrap before leaving the kitchen, so they won’t be contaminated on your way to the table. With regards to nuts, Tyler’s (a fast food place on campus) makes smoothies, some of which contain nuts, and there is a designated blender for the nut smoothies, so that there is no cross-contamination there. UR really considers possible allergies and does what it can to minimize contamination, label things, and work with students individually!
Thanks so much for the detailed response! We are visiting University of Richmond at the end of February.