Living (and Eating) Well with Food Allergies at College

Location, majors offered, housing options, financial assistance, student life, admissions requirements, and even more all play a part in the critical college decision. Those with food allergies have another hurdle to hop over - finding a campus that will not only welcome them but help protect them from food allergy reactions. Here are a few tips for finding a college right for you and your allergies, and ways to prepare before moving in.

Touring the Campus

This article highlights four colleges that go above and beyond to cook delicious, fresh food that is free from allergens. While not everyone with allergies has such great options, these are great examples of staff dedicated to keeping those with food allergies safe in dining halls.

If your desired college isn’t on this list, ask admissions about what safety protocols are in place for food allergies, and if any representatives would be able to meet with you to discuss while on your campus tour.

Asking questions about the food is obvious, but it’s important to also ask questions like:

• How do I ensure I have a roommate who respects my food allergies?
• Are RA’s, instructors, or other campus staff trained to help if food allergy reactions occur?
• Where is the nearest hospital, and how quickly does emergency help usually arrive?
• What cleaning protocols are in place in shared kitchens?

These can all help you get a handle on what measures are already being taken to keep you or your child safe.

Connecting with Key Groups

Once you’ve chosen where you’re going to spend your next four years, it’s good to connect with three key groups right away:

• Campus Dining: Meet with the dining team and discuss your allergy; be sure to ask how they will accommodate, or what they need from you to be able to do so.
• Accessibility Office: They may be able to advocate for you with campus dining, ensure your dorm is an allergy safe-zone, or help with classroom accommodations in case of missed class.
• Health Services: Meet with the health services staff to let them know of your food allergy, and learn about services they may be able to offer you to keep you at your healthiest.

Treating the Cause

During this transition period of life, you may realize that food allergies are a big burden to carry with you. The constant worry of cross contact or accidental exposure can be debilitating, and lower your quality of life. Providers at Allergy Associates of La Crosse recommend treating the cause of food allergies with allergy drops to help reduce life-threatening reactions when exposed to your food allergen.

Here’s how it works. After thorough testing, exam and history, a provider may recommend allergy drops - which contain tiny amounts of the food allergen proteins that make you sick. It’s enough to help build tolerance, but not too high to cause unnecessary reactions. Over time, the body learns to tolerate the food allergen and not react when exposed.

Allergy drops are a great option for college students, because treatment doesn’t need to be taken at a provider's office. They’re taken wherever the student is, three times daily, and when they run out, a new bottle is delivered to them.

This AAOL patient had great success with treatment, overcoming so many allergens and being able to go to college safely. He said, “When I go to college I can eat at the cafeteria. I don't have to cook my own lunch every day,” which was a huge win for both him and his family back at home. If you’re interested in starting testing and treatment for yourself or your child, reach out here to schedule an appointment.