Loading ...I found out I had CD after college had started. I had paid for 21 meals per week so I was afraid that my money would go to waste. Fortunately, my school was helpful and understanding. I first talked to the school nurse, and I had my doctor send over documented proof that I was diagnosed with CD… calling for a strict diet. I immediately got in touch with the food-service director at my school. She has been great! Here is the solution that we came up with. If you think any of these things will help you out, I encourage you to take some action.
I was in college, so many of these tips will not apply if you’re not in college yet. But hopefully, it can give you some ideas for your future situation and perhaps, help you prepare for the future.
Each , we would go over the menu to see what I can and can’t eat. I decided how many days I will be unable to eat in the cafeteria and have to eat on my own. The cafeteria supplies me with a GF loaf of bread and GF salad dressing that is kept in a fridge in the kitchen (properly labeled with my name and info).
This way, if I want a sandwich and a salad in the cafeteria one day, I can have it. Each Friday, I give, to the director, a list of foods that I think I will need throughout the week. They supply me with these foods, (my ‘pack-out’) that I pick up from the kitchen each Monday (I had already paid for my meal plan, and this is why they supplied me with the foods I wanted).
Every two weeks, the box consists of a loaf of GF bread, yogurt, juice, milk, applesauce, eggs, Thai noodles, rice, GF cookies, and pancake/waffle mix. This usually holds me over for a few weeks. But weekly, I pick up juice, milk, and yogurt. All these foods I keep in my room and prepare myself. (Due to health regulations, cafeterias can not specially prepare a meal for one student.)
This whole situation works out wonderfully. I know my school is great, but many schools won’t be *exactly* like this. Please be patient with your food-service department. They will do the best that they can (I hope). I’ve helped several people who were able to get this done at their schools too, so it’s not impossible. If your school is unable to have a box of food for you to take home, ask if you can be reimbursed if you buy the food before you find out you have Celiac. If you’ve already paid for your meal plan, ask for a refund in your money. They are there for you, and you deserve their time and attention. Good luck!
And don’t be shy about it. It’s your health and your body, and it’s the only one you get. Take care of it with all you’ve got!