The First Gluten-Free University Cafeteria Opens Its Doors

When you think of dorm food, you don’t often think of healthy foods or diet-friendly options. However, one cafeteria at Kent State University provides just that. The Prentice Hall Cafe located at the University is the first all gluten-free cafeteria in the country — great news for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

According to a press release from the university, Kent State restructured the cafe after they noticed an increase of the number students arriving on campus with gluten intolerance each year.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, eliminating a large chunk of typical dining hall foods. Currently, many other campuses offer gluten-free products or gluten-free stations in their dining halls, but Kent State is the first campus to offer an entire dining hall that is certified gluten-free.

In addition to gluten-free items, the cafe also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Making the students “home away from home” more comfortable and convenient for them.

An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, while a number of others are diagnosed with gluten sensitivity. Others restrict gluten as a personal preference.

Whatever the reason, this college campus is making it easy for students who can’t consume gluten-filled foods, and hopefully other universities will begin to follow suit.

And while the dining hall is strictly for those with gluten-free tastebuds, all students are welcome to dine at the Prentice Hall Cafe!