TCU Gluten Freedom will be hosting a gluten-free feast at Market Square on Thursday at 4 p.m.

TCU Gluten Freedom was formed by Sydney Cox, a TCU student, in hopes of increasing the healthy lifestyles of Horned Frogs with special dietary needs. These needs include Celiac Disease and other dietary allergies.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, gluten is a mixture of plant proteins found in all wheat products with a chain-like molecule that results in the rising of bread products. Celiac Disease prohibits people from digesting certain foods such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley because of the small intestine tissue lining, according to The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

"I feel that the potential for gluten free options at TCU Dining is not being met 100 percent," Cox said. "I know that things could be so much better with just a few minor adjustments."

University Dining Services has been willing to cooperate with Gluten Freedom in order to ease the strain on students with a gluten intolerance and those who choose not to eat food with gluten in it, Cox said.

The main problem on campus is cross-contamination in which foods that don’t usually cause a reaction have traces of gluten products on them, Cox said.

For example, by placing a granola dispenser next to yogurt, some granola may fall into the container and gluten free students cannot eat the yogurt, Cox said.

"I can't even eat a crumb of gluten as this will make me sick and damage my body," Cox said.

Celiac Disease is one of the most undiagnosed diseases in the United States. About three million Americans have Celiac Disease, but only 1 in every 4700 people are officially diagnosed, according to the National Institutes of Health.

TCU Gluten Freedom has a Facebook page encouraging students to participate in the on-campus movement at Facebook.com/TCUGlutenFreedom.