We’ve likely participated in a food drive where we contributed canned goods, pasta, or other household staples. But until I read an article, I had never considered the challenges those with dietary restrictions face when they need to avail themselves of food bank services. While gluten-free foods are becoming more common in grocery stores, oftentimes they do not make their way to food pantries. The same with foods that can be eaten by those with lactose intolerance, nut allergies, and more.
The next time you grocery shop, intentionally purchase allergy-sensitive foods to contribute to others. Increase the awareness of the issue if your organization supports a Little Food Pantry or another collection site. Or maybe consider having a gluten-free food drive when you return to the office.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education, an estimated 32 million people in the U.S. have a food allergy. Increasing your sensitivity to those with food sensitivities goes well beyond making donations for the food insecure and should permeate all interactions your organization has with food.
Source: Allergies complicate lives for America’s food insecure by Kathleen Ronayne for the Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald, June 11, 2021, p. 13A.
