College dining can seem like a never-ending buffet with an array of specialties, but for those with food allergies it may seem as though there are no options. Fortunately, ISU Dining has worked to accommodate students with such allergies.

Judith Trumpy, program coordinator for ISU Dining and registered dietitian at the Student Health Center, said food allergies are “a food insensitivity.”

Trumpy said the immune system can react to the presence of protein. Symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, cramping and a rash in the mouth can indicate an allergy.

“We are willing to accommodate them,” Trumpy said. “We do make an effort to help students.”

Trumpy said special products are bought for those with a food allergy, whether it is a peanut allergy or Celiac Disease.

If someone has Celiac Disease, they have to eat gluten-free foods. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness’ Web site, this includes any foods made with wheat, rye and barley.

Trumpy said Celiac Disease can be confusing because foods with grains damage the intestines, although you may not experience symptoms.

Gluten-free pasta is available, as well as toasters that are specifically for gluten-free breads, which are available at the dining centers.

Trumpy said the dining centers clearly mark foods containing peanuts, such as baked goods. Therefore, if a student has a peanut allergy they can be more aware of their options.

Trumpy said she can work with students to develop a meal plan and she also recommends using net nutrition on ISU Dining’s Web site, to determine which choices are available to them.

Students can also meet with the cook or manager to discuss meal ideas.

Trumpy said it’s important not to take food allergies lightly because if ignored, it could get worse.

Kristen Rutherford, junior in animal science, has had Celiac Sprue, which is another name for Celiac Disease, since the seventh grade.

Celiac Sprue is genetic and common in Rutherford’s family, affecting six members of her immediate family. Since her body rejects gluten foods, stomach aches are a side effect of eating gluten, but generally effects vary individually.

“There’s a lot of things I can’t eat,” Rutherford said – pizza and cake being a few of the items.

Reading food labels has helped Rutherford avoid foods with gluten. When Rutherford began college she was worried there wouldn’t be choices, but she was surprised to find just the opposite.

“At college it’s harder,” Rutherford admitted, “[but] I’ve had to deal with it in high school and middle school.”

She did look into help from ISU Dining but then realized she could manage it on her own and was simply careful to eat gluten-free foods.

“I think [ISU Dining] does an awesome job, because the meals are always there for the kids,” Rutherford said, who also works for ISU Dining.

While some may be distressed by being unable to eat certain foods, Rutherford has an upbeat attitude.

“I always say ‘things could be worse’.” Rutherford said. “All I have to do is watch what I eat now.”