After visiting other colleges in the state, I heard through the grapevine that Western Michigan University rocks the “gluten free” world. So, after some communication with Western’s staff, we finally arranged a trip to Kalamazoo, Michigan. We intentionally chose Good Friday so my husband could join us, and get his take on it, too!

Accommodating Medically Necessary Diets

Western Michigan University understands food allergies and Celiac Disease are no joke. In talking with Emily Hazel, RD, she explained about the special access “My Pantry” section of the Valley Dining Center. Students gain access with their student ID, after having registered with disability services.

I asked Emily if students wanting gluten free menus needed a Celiac Disease diagnosis from a doctor. While a Celiac Disease diagnosis is not required, a doctor’s note stating their need IS required. Emily stated “this process is primarily a safe-guard to discourage students who are trend-dieters. It’s important that the students using My Pantry are serious about their dietary restrictions, and do not create an unsafe environment for others.”

My Pantry at Western Michigan University

As mentioned, My Pantry is a separate, locked room at the Valley Dining Center. Inside students find a gluten free waffle maker, fridge filled with Udi’s products, and even their own plates and dishwasher. Enjoy Life Foods grab and go snacks are on shelves as well. Students CANNOT bring outside food into this room.

Connected to My Pantry is a specialty cooking station. Only allergen trained staff may prepare meals. (Staff goes through training with Aller Train U.) While this kitchen contains no gluten or nuts, other allergens may be present. This kitchen prepares meals for students with other special dietary needs. However, staff take all precautions to prevent cross contact. All utensils and trays in this kitchen are color coded purple.

Made to Order Meals

Prepared meals have scheduled service time. Entrees from this kitchen are available Monday thru Friday. Students use the dining website to order their preferred meal. They do so up to 7 days in advance, and choose a service time. Meals are served from 11 am to 7 pm. (My Pantry offers a dedicated GF waffle maker and cereal for breakfast.)

The My Pantry kitchen at Western Michigan University offers certain meals all the time. They include pulled pork, chicken quesadilla, cheese pizza, and Evol’s Chicken Enchilada Bake. In addition, they offer rotating entree options during the week. During our visit, we found grilled chicken and grilled salmon on the menu. Students can order two entree items, a starch and a vegetable for their order.

Additional Gluten Free Dining Options

Like other colleges, the Valley Dining Center at Western Michigan University offers a “micro restaurant” setup. Nine different stations offer foods for just about every craving. At Blazin’ Bronco, gluten free diners can order a burger patty, which is the only thing cooked on that grill. They can grab a bun from the My Pantry, if wanted.

Pacific Plate is a build your own stir-fry station. Cooks prepare all orders in a clean, separate wok. Chefs use separate spatulas  for meat, vegetarian or halal chicken. Therefore their training to prevent cross contact makes it an ideal station for gluten free diners.

Traditions, at Western Michigan University offers rotisserie chicken. Staff cook it in the rotisserie right in the Traditions area. Seasonings do not contain gluten, so these are almost always a good option for students. Students can check to ensure on the online menu, which includes a purple icon, featuring crossed out wheat.

Cilantro’s – Similar to Chipotle

Cilantro’s is similar to Chipotle, where you build your own burritos, tacos, etc. Corn tortilla chips offered there are fried in a dedicated gluten free fryer, the only one on campus.  In addition, students can ask for a glove change and get nachos or a burrito bowl. Staff prepare all the rice, beans, meats (except tortilla crusted tilapia) with GF seasonings.

“How come we can’t ever have, just like, a salad?” Staff intentionally organize the salad bar grouping like items together. Additional barriers help prevent egg, chicken, beans, etc from getting into other pans of foods with different proteins. Croutons are kept separate near the covered dressing containers, minimizing the risk of cross contact. Most salad dressings gluten free, with the exception of those made with soy sauce.

Additional Food Restriction at Western Michigan University

While staff at the My Pantry prepares meals for any with dietary restrictions, other options exist. They recently started offering halal options at the Pacific Plate station. They did so by working with students. Dining Services is working on adding more vegetarian options as well.

The Western Michigan University Dining Services website lists the daily menu at each micro restaurant. Meal items show additional icons highlighting the top 8 allergens, as well as sesame. All cooking oil on campus is either soy or olive, never peanut. In addition, staff use only tamari instead of soy sauce at all food stations, keeping meals gluten free.

How Much Do On-Campus Meals Cost?

Obviously, student housing generally includes a meal plan. Should you want to visit as a non-student, you are able to purchase a meal ticket and eat at any of the the micro restaurants. Since the My Pantry is restricted by key card, visitors cannot eat from that station. Breakfast costs $9, while lunch and dinner cost $13.

While impressed with the food, I felt amazed at the beauty of the dining hall. Trust me, this is nothing compared to my college experience (at CMU) 20 years ago. Gorgeous tilework surrounds the interior of the building. Even the tables have USB and power plug ins!

Housing Near the Valley Dining Center

At this time, these dining options are only available at the Valley Dining Center, on the north end of campus. Therefore, when choosing where to live, registered dietitian Emily Hazel strongly encourages students with dietary restrictions to live in one of the three Valley dorms. Free buses on campus take students to Walmart, Meijer, etc for additional grocery and personal needs.

I asked registered dietitian Emily Hazel how prospective students learn about the dining options available to them. She stated she presents at orientation, and invites parents & students to talk about allergen options at that time. In addition, she’s more than willing to meet with students individually.

New Dining Center at Western in 2021

Western Michigan University is renovating their dining services. Currently, the campus offers four dining halls, but only two are open on the weekend. The university will be opening a new dining hall in 2021. However, the new hall and the Valley Dining Center will remain the only two dining halls in operation.

When the new hall opens, they plan to have a station completely free from 7 of the top allergens. (Fish will still be served there.) They are also considering having another locked room or cooler at the new hall. (Similar to the My Pantry at the Valley Dining Center.) However, Emily and her staff are always open to suggestions.

Major props to Western Michigan University for going the extra mile to accommodate food restrictions. What other Michigan universities do you know that are going above and beyond? Leave me a note in the comments! (**Western Michigan University comped our meals. However this does not alter my thoughts or opinions.)

Other Colleges I Have Visited

University of Michigan
Michigan State University– Main Campus
Michigan State University Thrive Top 8 Allergen Free Dining Hall
Oakland University

The post Western Michigan University Gluten Free Dining appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Grand Rapids has always been one of my favorite cities. From  visiting the museums, and shopping at the farmer’s markets, I could visit every weekend and still never take it all in. The have an amazing list of gluten free restaurant options, including Amore Trattoria Italiana and the new dedicated gluten free eatery, Papa Chops Eatery.

However, it’s also the businesses like Kind Crumbs, that keep me going back. This gluten free bakery makes gluten-free donuts, cupcakes, cookies and more that are AMAZING. For years they faithfully donated to the Michigan Gluten Free Camp, and the kids loved everything owner, Rebecca Duiven, sent. Read more about Kind Crumbs in Duiven’s own words.

1.  What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

I started baking gluten-free when I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009. At the time of my diagnosis, I felt most of the commercial options I tried were pretty bad. I’ve loved baking all my life, and was up for the challenge of creating gluten-free products that actually tasted good.

I started out baking from home under the Michigan Cottage Law, and selling from farmer’s markets. Over a decade later, Kind Crumbs now has a staff of seven and a we sell to over 40 wholesale accounts! I’ve proved that gluten free baked goods could be as good as the traditional versions or even be better!

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

Kind Crumbs products are free of gluten, dairy, peanuts and soy (except for our rainbow sprinkles), and we have plenty of vegan options. In fact, the majority of our products are egg free. In addition, many of our products are also free of corn. We use minimal additives, and use natural coloring whenever possible. Also, we use certified gluten-free purity protocol oats in our baked goods.

We are working on some exciting projects in 2021. We are working on both third party gluten-free certification and kosher certification. We are adding nutrition panels to our products, which will better serve our sugar-restricting customers, and also allow us to ship outside of Michigan.

3.  What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

Since October 2017, Kind Crumbs has been operating out of our own 100% dedicated gluten-free production facility in Walker, Michigan. As mentioned above, we are not yet certified gluten free, but hope to be by the end of 2021.

4.  Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

We get feedback from customers on an almost daily basis. The most appreciative customers are those with multiple food allergies, as we can now allow them to eat things they thought they could never eat again.

5.  What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?

Our mission is to make really delicious, soul-nourishing baked goods for folks with food allergies and intolerances. We love serving the vegan community as well. We believe food allergy and plant-based consumers working together can really help increase availability of good allergen-free products for everyone. I believe no one should have to be stuck with mediocre-tasting treats due to dietary restrictions. A cupcake should taste like a cupcake!

6.  Where Can You Find Kind Crumbs Gluten Free Baked Goods?

While we do take special orders, most of our business is through wholesale accounts. That means you’ll find our products at stores like Harvest Health and Bridge St. Market in Grand Rapids, but also Foods for Living in East Lansing. We also sell thru various coffee shops, like 205 Coffee Bar in Holland and Rowster Coffee in Grand Rapids. Most notably, our gluten free goodies are available at Frosty Boy on Plainfield (in Grand Rapids), and in Rockford, to make delicious ice cream treats. Find a complete listing of “Where to Find Us” on our website.
We also ship within the state of Michigan. You cans order some items through our website, here.

Kind Crumbs Location, Hours and Contact Information

Kind Crumbs
4751 3 Mile Rd NW Suite I
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49534
Hours Vary, Please Call
(616) 881- 6388

Website | Facebook  | Instagram | Email

Kind Crumbs is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakeries across the state of Michigan. Click this link for a comprehensive, statewide list of all the bakers as well as an interactive map!

The post Kind Crumbs Gluten Free Bakery: Grand Rapids appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.