Gluten/Allergy Free at Work

I've been on the outside looking in at all of those company parties where the food smells great, but there isn't a thing that is safe for me to eat. Most of the time I would make sure that my outdoor walks coincided with those parties. They were not fun at all and while food allergies are not on the top of most people's lists for those of us who have them they are a matter of life, illness or possibly death

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Because I realize that unless you have experienced it yourself you are less likely to be considerate of those who simply CAN'T eat the food that is served so on behalf of all of those with food allergies, I implore those in charge of company parties to make them enjoyable for all!

Most people with real food related allergies or illnesses don't want to make a show of their problem, nor do they relish the thought of spending the rest of the party explaining their ailment to everyone because they had to attend the party and there was nothing they could eat. So I would recommend asking each employee privately if they have a food related allergy, and if so ask them their food preferences for such festive times. Your kindness and attention to detail will show your employees that you really care about others, and create an atmosphere of trust, security and the party will truly be happy occasion for everyone involved. Not everything at the party has to meet their needs, but the main dishes or desserts should definitely be edible.

If you would like to better understand the perspective of someone who has a food allergy, think about this scenario. You love Pizza! It's your favorite party food, and oh cookies, brownies, cake and yum the best part, that cookie dough ice cream to go with your dessert. Now imagine that you were told that you could NEVER eat any of these foods again because you have celiac disease. You are okay with this at home because you can fix your own food, and keep yourself healthy without a lot of prying eyes or cocked eyebrows, but the very next week your company invites you to a birthday party for all of those birthdays celebrated in the months of Sep-Nov. They serve everyone a piece of cake or maybe you even get to help serve the cake, and watch them eat it while you in turn get nothing. This really does happen.

So next time you are enjoying your food at a party maybe think of someone who has, diabetes, celiac disease, peanut, soy, or wheat allergy (sorry for those I know I missed), and remember these people did not choose to NOT eat this food, it's not a weight loss diet they truly CANNOT eat this food without potentially deadly results. It's really not funny either they are not enjoying it, and what they wouldn't give to eat a piece of cake with the rest of you.

So be a hero in your office, and include those with food related allergies and illnesses in your planning! You really can make a difference. Help someone you know Really Enjoy Living!

#glutenfree #celiac #wheatfree #barleyfree #soyfree #ryefree