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A great person to talk to and
A great person to talk to and site to look at is foodallergiestogo.com
Her child went to college safely and they had a great plan. She has many posts on her site.
They went to the school, met with the cafeteria staff, etc. and talked to them about how to choose safe foods etc.
Her son also got (I believe) his own room in a dorm with a kitchen etc.
I think if you got to the school and address it with them they will try to make accommodations.
Also, you should continue to teach your son how to manage his food allergies--always keep EpiPen on hand, never eat food without knowing etc.
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for this
Thank you so much for this information! I am headed to this site right now!
Our son actually was assigned
Our son actually was assigned a single apartment on school property so he could cook for himself. The whole story is on www.FoodAllergiesToGo.com under college. Let me know if you have any questions after reading the story.
Ann@FoodAllergiesToGo.com
Definitely talk to housing
Definitely talk to housing about getting student into a dorm where meal plans are optional and student can cook their own food. Also, many colleges are now offering cafeterias that cater to students with allergies, such as gluten free foods and other allergens, so also talk to dining services. But make sure student has Epi-pen or Twinject prescription in hand. And an ENT/allergist while at school.
By the time a "child" is old
By the time a "child" is old enough to go live in a college dorm, he or she had better be able to tell what is safe to eat and what isn't. I am 60 years old and have had severe PA at least since I was six years old. Dorm living 40 years ago did not pose any extra challenges than the rest of the world. I had to be careful, but there was always a safe alternative. And with the increased awareness of PA, I'm sure it would be alot easier today.
The only things that might have been problematic would be a roommate who insisted on eating peanut butter in our room, but luckily she didn't.
Think of this period of the child's life as half way to the real world. Take precautions (epipen, meds, etc)but realize mom and dad can't manage everything. The "child" must take responsibilty for his or her own health.
If you run into the roommate
If you run into the roommate that insists on eating PB&J there are now great alternatives. Wow butter is ok and cheap like peanut butter, but there is also IM Healthy butter which is my personal favorite. If they can't afford it maybe you could provide it and set your mind at ease. It is a soy product and quite delicious.
I would imagine in todays Peanut allergy world there must be one more child entering the college for the fall that they could room your child with.