Some people enjoy dieting. Some have no other choice. That is why the Mystic Marketplace is introducing more options.
Chris Warner, the Food Service Operation Manager at Bismarck State College said some students are too shy to discuss their dietary restrictions such as celiac disease. However, he said that he knows there are those with allergies to certain foods.
“They don’t want to feel like imposing, and that’s the biggest problem. They feel like they’re being a bother,” Warner said. “And they’re not being a bother, it’s just, they have to eat and I totally understand that.”
According to Dr. Joseph Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, evidence shows that celiac disease is becoming more common. Data from the Celiac Disease Foundation says that 1 in 100 people have the disease but only 30% are properly diagnosed.
Sometimes, it takes years for celiac disease to show up. It can be a hard transition. One day, an individual is enjoying fried foods and cake. Then the next thing they know, they’re checking every ingredient on the back of every item they buy. Eating in the cafeteria can be another challenge.
As of right now, the Marketplace offers gluten-free pizzas, buns and various desserts. Warner wants to bring in more items so those with allergies are able to have more options. Warner said he needs to know what dietary restrictions people may have to help everyone enjoy a hot meal.
“I don’t know any of the other dietary concerns. So, that’s kind of a problem,” Warner said. “I don’t know if there’s dairy or other items that they can’t have. So, that’s a part of the problem–if they don’t come to me, I don’t know.”
More gluten-free items are expected to appear on the Mystic Marketplace menu in the future. If any students would like to see a certain food item at the campus cafeteria, it could be as simple as a request to the chef.
