Surge in Food Allergies Creates Challenges for College Students
August 31, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. EDT
By Jamie Kelter Davis, The Washington Post
The number of young people with food allergies has been on the rise in the past few decades, and many of them are now heading off to college. Living with a food allergy at home can be challenging, but navigating food allergies on campus presents a whole new set of obstacles.
College students with food allergies have shared stories of encountering allergens in campus dining halls, dorms, and even at off-campus events. Alyssa Bauder, a doctoral candidate with a severe nut allergy, recalls an incident during her sophomore year at Ohio State University when she woke up to find peanut butter splattered across her dorm hallway. No one on her floor knew about her allergy, so they assumed it was the work of drunk students. The incident left Bauder feeling constantly anxious and uncomfortable in her own living space.
The prevalence and severity of food allergies among children have increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, according to the nonprofit organization Food Allergy Research & Education. Now, at least 1 in 10 adults in the United States have food allergies. This surge in food allergies has led to what some researchers are calling a “food allergy epidemic.”
With approximately 10 percent of college students having food allergies, the issue of food allergy management on campus has become a significant concern. Ruchi Gupta, the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research at Northwestern Medicine, explains that college students with food allergies are learning to be independent and make their own food choices for the first time, all while wanting to fit in and make friends. This can be a challenging combination.
The true scope of the problem is unknown, as college students are not required to declare their food allergies on applications. However, Gupta believes that the number of college students experiencing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, while on campus is higher than the already alarming statistics for children and adults.
Food-related challenges are everywhere on college campuses, including in dining halls, where mistakes can occur despite precautions. Some students report mislabeled food or receiving the wrong meals in dining halls. Trained campus dining room workers can sometimes be lacking in understanding food allergies. Students have shared experiences of ordering supposedly safe meals at their dining halls only to find out later that they contain allergens.
Social events and outings also pose risks for those with food allergies. Alcohol, which is often consumed at college parties, can increase the severity of an allergic reaction and make it harder to notice what is happening. Additionally, many people with allergies say that their biggest challenge is the lack of support and understanding among their peers. Fear of being labeled as difficult or annoying often prevents students from advocating for themselves or seeking help when necessary.
In response to these challenges, some students have taken it upon themselves to create support systems on campus. Kethan Bajaj and Julia Auerbach, juniors at Northwestern University, have organized a group called College Advocates for Food Allergy Awareness & Education (CAFAE), aimed at supporting students with food allergies and other food-related conditions.
With the prevalence of food allergies on the rise, colleges and universities will need to prioritize the education and awareness around food allergies on campus. Ensuring safe and inclusive environments for students with food allergies is essential for their well-being and success during their college years.