I have to admit that neither Potlucks nor catered outdoor picnics used to be my favorite event. No, I certainly do no dislike the outdoors - quite different I love being outdoors - but I have always been worried about the food options for the girls. Truth be said, so that is not the way I believe we should live. Exclude ourselves because I worry that there may a ton of foods the girlies cannot eat...That is not what I believe in. But you know what? That is what I was doing. I got frustrated because at catered lunches people are generally not aware of Allergens. Much less even at potlucks. People don't think about allergens. And you know what? I would not be thinking about them either - it was something I never understood in my "Pre Galactosemia" life.
In any case, have come up with some strategies to deal with these fun events. No different from any of our other strategies really...here they are:-
For catered events I try to
- find out as much as possible about the menu up front,
- call the company to discuss allergens
- call the organizers to find out about desserts
- are there dairy free options? Will we have to bring alternatives?
If all fails I bring food for the girls but that is really the last I want to do. I want the kids to feel included and not different.
For Potlucks - and they are much harder - the strategy is to
- call the organizer to determine what types of food people will be bringing
- ask organizer to have foods marked with ingredients used - and I mention the allergen issue.
- I know that sounds like a lot to ask for - but just basic ingredients. I certainly do not ask that recepies be amended just for us...I am not that self centered. Well at least, I try not to be ...
Now, I feel prepared and am happy to say "Potluck I no longer fear you"!!!
How do you deal with this? I would love to hear from you!
Happy Summer to all of you!!!
7 comments:
great post! I am not as good about the pre-checking (on the pot-luck side at least), so usually just bring some options. my CG child is the picky one, too, so often he may not even want to eat any "safe" pot luck choices. my non-CG child has been a revelation... not only *could* she eat anything, but she also *will*! happy summer!
Thank you, Christy! I very much appreciate your comment :)
Happy Friday to all of you!!!
Beate
Potlucks I don't worry about too much, I usally bring Anna's food. But I've been deading my brothers wedding this fall, as the event is out of province and the brides mother is putting it on, fist class all the way.
I'm always nervous to call about food but I don't want to look like a hillbilly and brown bag Anna's dinner....lol, this is the part of the diet that bothers me the most!
Hi, I am 33 with Classic Galactosemia, I stumbled across your blog through google, I'm from Canada, wondering if you have any affiliations with the PGC (Parents of Galactosemic Children)? I will be attending the PGC conference in two weeks in Minnesota, these conferences are very informative and a wonderful way to network with other families of Galactosemics.
Thanks
stacyleroux@hotmail.com
Stacy it is great to hear from you
FYI - I tried to send you an e-mail but it bounced back to me. Would you mind contacting me by e-mail (you can find the link under "contact me")? Thank you and I look forward to speak with you.
HI Beate, I finaly called my brother about his wedding and the menu and he re-assured me the Kids meal is compleatly Dairy Free! I feel so honored that my Lil' Brother made sure Anna will be safe and happy at his wedding!
That is wonderful, Leslie!!! I am very happy to hear that worked out :)
Bea
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