|
Good things may come to those who wait, but human beings
can’t wait for food. We all know that food is essential to
living, but what many don’t realize—at least those who don’t
have to think much about what they are ingesting—is that
without a safe environment to eat in, we will begin to feel
unsafe in the other areas of our life. Think of Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs as applied to a Celiac or gluten intolerant
individual, in other words. One environment that we must
feel safe in, then, is where we ourselves go or where we
send our children to: school.
When I entered college at Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi four years ago, I had recently been diagnosed as
gluten intolerant. I didn’t see any connection at the time
between what I was eating and where I was going to
school, as I always made my food at home, which was off-
campus. As the years progressed, however, I spent more
and more time on campus because I became more and more
involved with on-campus activities. I began to have days of
desperation where I forgot my food or was just hungrier
than I had anticipated and had to find something to eat. I
couldn’t trust anything except packaged food with labels,
such as nuts or chips.
Last year I finally decided to do something about it. I
approached the director of food services about labeling food
in the cafeteria area. Much to my surprise, and relief, he
and his staff had just come back from their annual
conference where they had had several sessions about
gluten intolerance. We talked about the risks of
contamination and the importance of having an informed
staff. Soon, a few areas in the cafeteria began to be
labeled either “Steamed” (no butter—great for vegans!) or
“Gluten free.” I am extremely glad that the staff was
receptive to my request. While I am the only gluten
intolerant person I know on campus (though, out of 10,000
students, I’m sure another one exists), I feel like I have
paved the way for future Celiac and gluten intolerant
individuals on campus. The sales have actually gone up in
the cafeteria, as well, which just goes to show you that all
people like knowing what is in their food. Granted,
sometimes the staff still doesn’t know what is in the dish
and has to go ask. And I must always keep in mind that I
am just gluten intolerant; I do not have Celiac.
My point is that change can happen. If you are planning to
send your child away to school or are looking for a school
yourself, do the research. And ask. Inform your child that
there are few schools that can claim to be gluten free (as a
quick Google search shows), and tell the school
administration that this would be an excellent avenue for
the school to pursue financially. Supply really is all about
demand. If we keep voting with our forks, then we will be
able to see more safe options. And with a safe environment
to eat in, we will be free to concentrate on what all students
should be concentrating on: our studies!
__________________
|
