Catering for groups? General discussion.

What does she bring as her contribution to other suppers? If she brings normal food but makes sure it is well wrapped and excepts that others plate it up then she probably has an allergy. If she touches it and arranges it then the answer to that question is there,
Ask her to bring her own if it is genuine then she will not be offended.
I have worked with people who have religious dietary rules and they brought their own. We have a vegetarian in the family and I buy the food from M&S, they never grumble.

Dud I get this right?

It's bring and share but she doesn't bring anything?

I think the idea that it is more coordinated is a good one so that people can pick a dish to bring. In that case it wouldn't be unreasonable for say a quarter of those dishes to be vegan like salad or garlic bread or vegetable/potato dishes?

Doodledog

The shared supper events I've been to usually have someone co-ordinating to make sure we don't have 15 trifles and no savouries. I would suggest that whoever that is should ensure that there is green salad and at least something to go with it, but I do think that the person herself should take some responsibility.

I would also try to ensure that she got to the table first, as I know that vegetarians can be left with nothing to eat after the carnivores have taken the veggie stuff along with the meat.

Otherwise, no, I don't think everyone should have to nibble celery to fit around one person's dietary requirements (particularly if she seems to be picking and choosing what she can eat).

Doodledog The shared supper events I've been to usually have someone co-ordinating to make sure we don't have 15 trifles and no savouries. I would suggest that whoever that is should ensure that there is green salad and at least something to go with it, but I do think that the person herself should take some responsibility.

This ^^

I always have nice nuts in the car, in case I need protein after a 'event of eating'. I really much prefer our own cooking and just nibble at salads, veg, and breads - in public

By the way, vegan fare is quite easy and delicious.

JenniferEccles

Well certainly if I had allergies or even if I just followed some faddy diet like veganism, I would take my own food to a gathering.
I certainly wouldn’t expect others to adhere to my diet !

Veganism isn’t a faddy diet. Many vegans are people of principle who choose their diet so as not to be responsible for suffering of animals.

We accept that we're vegan by choice, just as some eat meat by choice. We never complain, typically there is plain salad, bread, veg and that's enough. Gluten free choices are (or can be) wonderful.

The shared supper events I've been to usually have someone co-ordinating to make sure we don't have 15 trifles and no savouries. I would suggest that whoever that is should ensure that there is green salad and at least something to go with it, but I do think that the person herself should take some responsibility.

I would also try to ensure that she got to the table first, as I know that vegetarians can be left with nothing to eat after the carnivores have taken the veggie stuff along with the meat.

Otherwise, no, I don't think everyone should have to nibble celery to fit around one person's dietary requirements (particularly if she seems to be picking and choosing what she can eat).

Well certainly if I had allergies or even if I just followed some faddy diet like veganism, I would take my own food to a gathering.
I certainly wouldn’t expect others to adhere to my diet !

You say she graciously accepts whatever she is given, is that food food prepared especially for her dietary requirements by the other members of the group and does this lady bring & share something for the rest of the group? I think most of us at times prepare food for others that we do not want or cannot eat ourselves.

Sadly it’s all too common now, I have one friend who is genuinely coeliac and three friends who say they can’t eat gluten but it’s not been diagnosed.

One friend now lives on a diet of charcuterie, crisps and salad as she believes grains, wheats and lactose all upset her, she can somehow manage cake and biscuits though.

I think the NHS a giving GF food on prescription is scandalous.
I’m allergic to shellfish, I just avoid it, I don’t expect the NHS to pay for me to have fillet steak once a week.

So to conclude I would ask this lady to provide her own food.

No harm in a cople of people in the group providing food that would suit her and the rest bringing what they usually do .Is't that what groups normally do?Just nominate people who like to cook who will be happy to provide for ger

Germanshepherdsmum

If she accepts whatever she’s given I would be wondering if has genuine allergies and intolerances (in which case she should bring her own food to be safe) or if it’s just a matter of choice?

I agree with that GSM

If she accepts whatever she’s given I would be wondering if has genuine allergies and intolerances (in which case she should bring her own food to be safe) or if it’s just a matter of choice?

I think she should cater for herself and not be asked to contribute.

Hmm, must have cross-posted with your reply to fancythat. I would have thought if she does have actual allergies, she'd be a bit wary of accepting whatever is put her way, as you say.

Yes, I would ask her what she would prefer. If she has allergies, she may well prefer to bring her own food to be absolutely sure that she's not eating anything she shouldn't. Allergies can be very serious, so if it's more than just dietary preferences, it could be that she'd rather err on the side of caution and provide her own. But just ask - I'm sure she won't mind.

fancythat

What does the lady herself say?

She graciously accepts what is put her way but does not offer to bring or just cater for herself.

What does the lady herself say?