Embracing College Life with Faith-Based Dietary Choices
As a Jain student navigating the college experience, adhering to faith-based dietary restrictions can pose unique challenges. For Riya Parekh, a political science major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, maintaining her Jain diet while away from home required careful planning and communication with the campus dining program. Parekh’s journey highlights the importance of advocating for one’s dietary needs in a college setting.
Growing up in a Jain household, Parekh was raised on a diet that excluded root vegetables and animal products in adherence to the principles of ahimsa, or nonviolence. When she transitioned to college life at Cal Poly, she faced the daunting task of finding suitable dining options that aligned with her faith-based dietary restrictions. Fortunately, with the assistance of campus dietitian Kaitlin Gibbons, Parekh was able to create a specialized meal plan that accommodated her Jain diet.
Navigating Meal Plans and Campus Dining
For many students, the transition to college often involves adjusting to communal dining settings and meal plans. However, for students with dietary restrictions based on heritage, religion, or personal beliefs, accessing suitable food options can be challenging. Parekh’s experience at Cal Poly sheds light on the importance of proactive communication with campus dining services to ensure that individual dietary needs are met.
In Parekh’s case, reaching out to the campus dining program before the start of the semester proved to be a crucial step in securing a meal plan that aligned with her Jain diet. By collaborating with the campus dietitian and culinary team, Parekh was able to establish a rotating menu of Jain-friendly dishes that provided her with the nourishment she needed while honoring her faith-based dietary practices.
Challenges and Solutions for Students with Dietary Restrictions
While Parekh’s experience at Cal Poly exemplifies a successful collaboration between a student and campus dining services, not all students with dietary restrictions receive the same level of support. Arushi Shah, a sophomore at the University of California Riverside who also follows Jain dietary practices, faced challenges in finding suitable food options on campus during her freshman year.
Shah’s experience highlights the need for increased awareness and accommodation of diverse dietary customs among college campuses. By sharing her story of navigating food preparation in her dorm room and seeking creative alternatives to meet her dietary needs, Shah emphasizes the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in managing dietary restrictions while in college.
Advocating for Inclusivity and Understanding
As awareness of faith-based dietary customs grows across college campuses, there is a growing need for inclusivity and understanding when it comes to accommodating students with diverse dietary needs. By sharing their experiences and advocating for their dietary preferences, students like Parekh and Shah are paving the way for greater awareness and support for individuals with unique dietary restrictions.
In conclusion, navigating college life with faith-based dietary choices requires proactive communication, resilience, and a willingness to advocate for one’s needs. By sharing their stories and collaborating with campus dining services, students can work towards creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with diverse dietary practices. Embracing one’s heritage, religion, and dietary choices in college is not without its challenges, but with determination and support, students can find ways to honor their beliefs while thriving in a college setting.
