Recently, I was reflecting with a client about Food Allergy Awareness Week, which is recognized every May. While my experience with food allergies has been a deeply personal one, I had never considered the business implications until this client suggested that managing food allergies is an important issue relating to equity/diversity/inclusion/accessibility (EDIA). From that perspective, it’s something that all organizations should have on their radar.
Thanks to encouragement from this client, I wrote an article for the EDIA column in the 2nd quarter 2023 issue of Focus North, which was just published yesterday! For people living with food allergies, knowing what foods to avoid and how to treat emergencies is only half the battle; they also have to learn to navigate social and cultural situations, and it’s helpful if others are supportive.
Check out my five tips for being inclusive of those with food allergies:
1. Get educated.
2. Be flexible.
3. Don’t take offense.
4. Communicate regularly.
5. Exclude the food, not the person.
Spring Creek Consulting, LLC 