I am so sorry to hear you are fighting these issues. There are so many better ways to solve this -- including labeling. But also being mindful of differing needs (my sweetheart makes it a point of bringing a protein-containing vegan option to every potluck which ensures that pretty much anyone can eat it, especially as SH doesn't do the major nut substitutions that many vegan foods do) is so very important.
And oh do I hear you! Major Non-Profit seems to think the best way to serve lots of people is pizza (which eliminates the lactose intolerant, the gluten-free folks, the people who can't eat tomatoes, and so on and so forth) and donuts are the way to cheer everyone up. You would think they would get the hint when 2 dozen donuts are enough to feed an office of 60, right?
I am so grateful for your comment about "But the bottom line... is that I am often reminded that I'm not worth the trouble of feeding me" because I will use that at work (srsly no one would bring in a meal that only contains pork and shellfish! and yet they are doing the equivalent when they bring in pizza and tossed greens as the alternative).... though I am not happy that you are in the position of having to say it.
(There is one wonderful person at work who would leave stuff in the kitchen with notes like "allergens: Wheat, dairy; made in a home that has nuts." I have no idea who that was but the kindness was amazing)
I keep thinking about "Everyone deserves a place at God's Table" and wonder if it can be extended to "Everyone deserves a place at God's Table and at ours.... here's how we make it possible to ensure that all are welcome" and hand out cards with title of dish and space for the ingredients on the same side (there is never enough time or hands to pick up cards, read them, put them down on a buffet line ime).
(though, knowing you, you may have already come up with that.)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2017-09-19 12:44 pm (UTC)And oh do I hear you! Major Non-Profit seems to think the best way to serve lots of people is pizza (which eliminates the lactose intolerant, the gluten-free folks, the people who can't eat tomatoes, and so on and so forth) and donuts are the way to cheer everyone up. You would think they would get the hint when 2 dozen donuts are enough to feed an office of 60, right?
I am so grateful for your comment about "But the bottom line... is that I am often reminded that I'm not worth the trouble of feeding me" because I will use that at work (srsly no one would bring in a meal that only contains pork and shellfish! and yet they are doing the equivalent when they bring in pizza and tossed greens as the alternative).... though I am not happy that you are in the position of having to say it.
(There is one wonderful person at work who would leave stuff in the kitchen with notes like "allergens: Wheat, dairy; made in a home that has nuts." I have no idea who that was but the kindness was amazing)
I keep thinking about "Everyone deserves a place at God's Table" and wonder if it can be extended to "Everyone deserves a place at God's Table and at ours.... here's how we make it possible to ensure that all are welcome" and hand out cards with title of dish and space for the ingredients on the same side (there is never enough time or hands to pick up cards, read them, put them down on a buffet line ime).
(though, knowing you, you may have already come up with that.)
Much empathy!