Students Needing Gluten-Free Food Have Limited Options

By Cathlyna Theriot
Staff Writer
IG: th3riotnix

Hutchinson Community College has a wide selection of foods in its cafeteria. Great Western Dining provides the food, it’s clear the organization puts a lot of care into the food it makes.

Though with all these varieties, it raises the question of whether or not there are foods to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

HutchCC freshman Alex Johnson has an autoimmune disorder, called celiac disease, meaning his body won’t process the protein gluten that’s present in wheat. Basically, he can only eat a fully gluten-free diet, so he has to be selective with his cafeteria choices.

When asked about what foods he eats in the cafeteria, Johnson said “To be honest, I really only eat the vanilla ice cream, just to guarantee that nothing could be cross-contaminated.”

When asked about what foods he avoids he said there were plenty.

“Well pretty much everything, though I did try the salad bar once. There were a few options I was able to have that were pretty good. Though the threat of cross-contamination was still there, so I don’t eat it very often.”

Even with Johnson avoiding most foods in the cafeteria, there are other gluten-free options for those who may have a slight sensitivity or just choose to have that diet.

Along the wrap bar portion of the cafeteria, you can find a container with a section at the bottom labeled “Gluten-Free Bread”. There’s regular sandwich bread, and what seems to be hamburger buns as well.

If you’re not feeling something as heavy as a sandwich, then maybe a salad would do you better. The salad bar, like Johnson said, is a good spot for those with sensitivities to eat at, since it’s virtually allergen-free, as long as certain foods are avoided and you know the risk that could potentially come with eating from it.

Other areas that could be a spot to eat at could be the desert bar, some treats are just simple desserts that don’t contain gluten, like the Rice Krispies, or the ice cream, though these sweets aren’t necessarily as filling as a balanced meal would be.

The cafeteria does have a decent selection of gluten-free foods for those with sensitivities, but if you have something to worry about, then it might be best to bring your own lunch.

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