Growing up as a Jain, I have always followed a strict diet that excludes root vegetables and animal products in adherence to my faith’s principles of nonviolence. However, when I enrolled in college, I faced the challenge of finding suitable dining options that aligned with my dietary restrictions.
Fortunately, my college, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, was able to accommodate my needs by working with me to create a specialized meal plan. This experience highlighted the importance of advocating for oneself and reaching out to campus dining services to ensure that dietary needs are met.
However, not all students are as fortunate. My friend Arushi Shah, who also follows Jain dietary restrictions, faced difficulties finding suitable food options at her college, the University of California Riverside. She had to get creative and prepare her own meals in her dorm room to ensure she had access to Jain-friendly food.
Arushi’s experience underscores the need for colleges to be more inclusive and accommodating of students with diverse dietary needs, including those based on faith traditions. By raising awareness and advocating for our dietary needs, we can work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all students.
As we navigate the transition to college life, it is essential to communicate our dietary needs to campus dining services and explore alternative options if necessary. By sharing our experiences and working together, we can help create a more supportive and inclusive college community for students of all backgrounds and faith traditions.
