For many students, adjusting to college life means balancing classes, making new friends, and managing time effectively. But for Baylor freshman Laura Jane Moody, it also means navigating an environment where food allergies could pose a life-threatening risk.
Moody has multiple severe allergies, including dairy, eggs, and nuts, which can trigger a reaction serious enough to require hospitalization. Because of this, she relies almost entirely on Baylor’s ‘Delicious Without’ station for her meals. This station ensures food is free from the nine main allergens, providing a safer dining option.
“I pretty much come here for everything,” Moody said. “Because of cross-contamination, I can really only eat from the ‘Delicious Without’ station.”
While the station offers a reliable food source, the risk of mislabeling or cross-contact still causes concern.
“I just get worried sometimes that if something got marked wrong or there was cross-contamination, I could end up in the hospital,” Moody said.
Amber Arnold, a clinical assistant professor of nutrition sciences and a registered dietitian at Baylor, estimates that around 10% of the student population has some type of food allergy. She emphasizes that students with allergies must be extra cautious in a new environment.
“They are used to some of the unexpected, but what they are probably not used to is being in an environment with so many people around and so many dining options,” Arnold said.
Arnold encourages students to work with Baylor’s dining services and dietitians to develop a plan that suits their needs.
“For someone with multiple food allergies, it’s about planning and making sure they have safe options available,” she said.
She also stresses the importance of self-advocacy and communication, suggesting that students inform roommates, professors, and organizations about their allergies to help prevent accidental exposure.
For students like Moody, managing food allergies is a daily challenge. While Baylor provides resources to accommodate dietary restrictions, increased awareness and consideration from the broader campus community can make a significant difference in creating a safer and more inclusive environment.
This story was produced by Baylor University Student Charlie Sheridan and is part of the Baylor University Student Journalism Collaboration with KWBU.