There are a number of things that can make university life a hard thing to adapt to, but having dietary restrictions should not be one of them.
While Carleton does have some accommodation on campus with the Gluten Free Pantry in the residence dining hall and gluten-free bread available at Rooster’s, other outlets offer little in terms of proper accommodation.
Other places do have salads, some soups, and fruit as gluten-free options, but having such a limited selection of foods isn’t fair to those who truly need it.
Not only that, but picking up something as simple as a salad for someone who is celiac can be a risky decision. Without the “certified gluten-free” label, you risk cross-contamination which can potentially be very harmful.
Restrictions, such as lactose intolerance, tend to be a bit easier to manage with dairy-free milk options at Rooster’s and Starbucks, and the option to abstain from cheese in a meal.
Universities should provide services for students who are dealing with dietary restrictions such as having an on-campus nutritionist who they can consult.
Eating properly for some students can be the difference between crippling sickness and health, and they shouldn’t be left out of on-campus food options or left trying to deal with it on their own.
Proper food in physical health can be just as important as mental health when it comes to academics. It should be embraced on campus as a necessary service.
