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Navigating Social Gatherings

What do I do if I'm invited to a social gathering or event where food will be served?

Whether it's a birthday party, work dinner, wedding or something else, an event with food can be stressful when you have celiac disease. Here are our best tips for navigating these situations.

Tip 1: Take charge

Sometimes it is easier to take initiative in these situations rather than relying on someone else to provide safe options for you. Below are just a few examples of how you can take charge when it comes to social events.

 

If your friends or family are planning to go out to eat together, you can suggest a few places that are safest for you ahead of time.

 

If your office is ordering a catered lunch, have a side conversation with your superior or HR and suggest some safe places where they can order from. 

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If you are attending a wedding, ask the person getting married if they can share the contact information of their caterer so you can ask them questions about the food.

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If you are invited to a party or dinner at someone's house, offer to bring a dish that you know will be safe or bring your own meal.

Tip 2: Plan ahead

If possible, take some time to plan ahead. Ask the necessary questions of the restaurant, catering company or person who is preparing your food. If you aren't satisfied with the answers, proceed to the next tip.

Tip 3: When in doubt, opt-out

You can still enjoy spending time with others while choosing not to eat the same food. If you aren't sure that your food can be prepared safely, do not hesitate to opt-out of eating it. While you might be afraid of seeming rude or high maintenance, you should always put your health and safety first. 

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Here are some ways you can opt-out:

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  • Research nearby available options on Find Me Gluten Free and eat there before or after the event.

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  • Pack a meal or snacks to bring with you and eat them when everyone else eats.

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  • Order food from a safe place and have it delivered to the event location.

If you think there is something else we should add to this page,

please let us know by emailing us at jason@findmeglutenfree.com!

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