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Providing Everyone a Seat at the Table: Food Allergy, and the Future of Inclusive Dining
By: Kate Reid, Food Allergy Canada
Whether it’s a cozy night out at your neighbourhood bistro or a gathering around the dinner table with close friends, food has a way of bringing people together. We talk about meals in terms of memories; where we were, what we ate, and who we were with. But for the over 3 million Canadians with food allergy, that connection to food comes with also needing to be aware of what’s in the food in order to stay safe.
Food allergy is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening, and one that’s reshaping how we think about hospitality and dining. An inclusive food experience is about more than just safety; it’s a representation of trust, care, and providing everyone a seat at the table.
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada, and we’re spotlighting what it means to create safe, welcoming spaces when eating out, and why that’s something everyone should know about.
Allergy Awareness: Influencing How We Eat Out
Food Allergy Canada’s latest consumer research on dining out indicates allergy awareness is a growing need, and it’s directly impacting where and how all Canadians choose to eat out.
80% of Canadians with food allergy say allergen policies influence their dining decisions.
86% say their food allergy is a major driver of restaurant loyalty.
Even 44% of people without food allergy consider a restaurant’s allergen management practices when deciding where to dine with others.
The bottom line: food allergy shapes how we gather with friends and family. Whether you’re dining out with a partner who has an allergy or planning a birthday dinner that includes an impacted individual, their needs are an essential consideration of the entire experience. Safety, trust, and inclusion influence how people today choose restaurants, plan meals, and connect over food.
Accommodating food allergy requests can sometimes be a challenge for restaurants, but it’s also a real opportunity. Brands that build trust with this community don’t just attract diners; they earn long-term loyal patrons.
Inclusive Dining Is the Standard
Inclusion isn’t just about offering alternatives; it’s about building a culture of transparency. Whether you’re behind the line in a busy kitchen or hosting a casual dinner at home, it comes down to clear communication, access to ingredient information, and a genuine commitment to making everyone feel safe and welcome.
Food Allergy Canada launched Think Food Allergy, a national initiative that offers fast, easy, and free resources to make it easier for food professionals to build allergy awareness into their day-to-day operations. Working in collaboration with the foodservice industry, the Think Food Allergy program includes:
Micro-training videos for kitchen and service teams
Downloadable posters and templates for restaurants
Simple tools that give foodservice operators the “how-to” on being more allergy aware
This is a free program that is simple to implement, so that creating safer dining spaces is easily integrated into the existing guest service experience.
Eating Out with Food Allergy in Mind
What should be a relaxing experience when eating out can sometimes be overwhelming for those with food allergy. Even asking questions can feel uncomfortable in some settings based on how it’s approached by the service staff.
This is why inclusive dining matters. It’s not just about safety, it’s about creating experiences where everyone feels confident and considered. It’s about building trust, and providing everyone a seat at the table.
This trust goes both ways. When customers feel safe, they come back. They tell their friends. They become loyal patrons. This is not because of a promo or discount, but because a restaurant got the details right and had processes in place to accommodate their needs.
Tips for Hosting or Eating Out: Keeping Food Allergy in Mind
The next time you’re dining out or planning an event with someone who has food allergy, take a moment to make sure they feel fully included. By being mindful of their needs and planning ahead, you can create a smooth, enjoyable experience. Here’s how to plan food experiences with confidence and make sure those with food allergy are offered the same seat at the table as everyone else.
Communicate Clearly
It all starts with communication – the key to a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Always be upfront about you or someone in your party having a food allergy, whether you’re making a reservation, chatting with the hostess, or ordering a meal. Some people use an allergy card to hand to the staff, which is a great way to make things clear for restaurant staff, especially in busy settings. This also helps to ensure everyone involved in preparing the meal is on the same page and has streamlined information.
Plan Ahead
Calling ahead is always a smart move. A quick connect with the restaurant to discuss allergy accommodations helps with preparation for people to be properly taken care of, and helps prevent any last-minute stress for everyone involved.
Choose Trusted Spots
Opt for restaurants known for their allergy-friendly accommodations and menu items. A bit of research or recommendations can help you find spots where food allergies are taken seriously, giving you and those in your network peace of mind before you even walk through the door.
Make Smart Meal Choices
Once you’re at the restaurant, work with the staff to choose a meal that’s safe. Simple dishes often have fewer ingredients and can be easiest to customize, ensuring there’s no confusion in the kitchen.
Redefining the Table: A More Inclusive Food Culture
In a world today where we’re more thoughtful about what we eat, where it comes from, and how it makes us feel, food allergy awareness fits naturally into the future of dining.
It’s about creating food experiences that are transparent, welcoming, and rooted in connection. Because ultimately, eating out isn’t just about the food – it’s about how we share it. By making small shifts today, we can shape a more thoughtful food culture tomorrow.
Want to Learn More?
Visit foodallergycanada.ca/dining for more information on eating out safely with food allergy.
Foodservice professionals can visit ThinkFoodAllergy.ca for free tools and resources to help you create inclusive and safe environments for Canadians with food allergy.
