I work in residence life at a local university. At the start of each semester, we have training with our staff and then we head into opening. At times, openings (and closings) prevent us from leaving campus, so they provide food. The last two days were days that we feed staff for training. It is amazing the limitations a person with a food allergy or sensitivity faces. One meal was chicken drummetts, potato salad, chips and dip. I was laughing because there was nothing I could eat. So I had to leave to get something that I could eat.
Friday, we will be traveling to a conference for the day. The conference includes lunch. We have alerted them to my food restrictions, but the response we received when we stated “A staff member has an allergy to gluten and nightshades” was “Ok, thanks!” So what does this mean? Does this mean I will have a meal that accommodates my needs? For 34 years, I went through life never having to worry about what they would be serving at a place I went, because I could at least eat something. However now, I realize the hassle people face. I am trying to plan out meals for me to eat while at a conference or staff luncheon because my special accommodations may not be met.
I have a question to my follows – what are some ways you approach the issue of needing special accommodations for staff meals?
Thriving with Psoriasis's - Living Nightshade Free 