Importance of the "GF Zone"

After doing a lot of research lately, I have come to realize one thing- colleges ROCK at supporting gluten free students!  I wish all the other schools could do a better job in this area.

Several schools have created a "GF Zone" within their dining halls to accommodate ALL gluten free needs.  Within this zone, it has everything anyone could ever need to successfully and happily eat gluten free.

Benefits of having a "GF Zone" includes:

• Centralized area for all gluten free foods with easy access
• Stocked with kitchen appliances such as refrigerator, freezer, microwave, toaster and panini press
• Includes separate condiments and/or single use cream cheese, butter, jelly, peanut butter, ketchup, salad dressing, etc.
• Eliminates cross contamination in several ways- avoids confusion for kitchen staff as well as for other students eating in the dining hall, there is no reason for gluten containing foods to enter this area
• Provides other students with the chance to become more aware of the importance of food allergies
• Acts as a common ground for all gluten free students and allows them to get to know each other
• Can be the start of something new for students; such as "family dinners"
• Gives the dining staff encouragement to increase their gluten free options
• Helps to promote the school for incoming freshman who are gluten free
• Most importantly- gives students the feeling of being normal and safe at the same time.  Parents love it too!

Having a food allergy doesn't mean a student should feel left out and having a "GF Zone" will ensure this does not happen.

Some schools even give each student a key to this area after meeting one on one with their dietitian to ensure safety of other students bringing gluten into the area. 

All in all- if one school can make this happen, all schools should!