Crohn's And Halloween- Accessibility with Food During Food Centered Holidays
Halloween is coming up next week, and this year I think I am actually celebrating it beyond my typical low-effort animal costume. I've made a blog post in the past about accessible Halloween, but this year feels different because I can't eat most Halloween candy due to my strict diet. While I am able to bring food for myself if needed, it got me thinking about kids trick-or-treating, and about people with autoimmune conditions that affect diet attending Halloween parties. This week, I want to talk about Halloween accessibility as someone navigating Halloween with Crohn's.
1: Save food packaging, and if possible, serve snacks in the original packaging
I know everyone likes to serve food in cute bowls, but it means those with dietary restrictions don't know what they are eating. For people who can't tolerate cross-contamination, such as those with celiac disease, even putting accessible food in a container that was exposed to an allergen means that food becomes contaminated. For the best accessibility, keeping food in the original packaging allows everyone with dietary restrictions to check labels and limit cross-contamination. This is easiest with premade snacks like chips and crackers, but can be done with some dips and other items as well.
2: Keep non-edible trick-or-treat options for Halloween or party game prizes
For kids with allergies, keep a couple of cheap toy options so they can participate too. Think: if you could put a quarter in a vending machine at a restaurant when you were a kid and it would pop out, that's probably good to include in the candy bowl. This way, kids with allergies can still participate in the trick-or-treating tradition without missing out, and you don't have to spend a ton of extra money to be accessible. For party prizes, cheap options also work, though I don't have specific suggestions since it depends on the type of party.
3: Serve one item that's just one ingredient at your party
I don't eat raw veggies, but many do, so a veggie tray can be a good option. If you are cooking a meal, having a side like rice or potatoes is a good option, as sauces can be added for guests who want it, but it can be plain for those who need it. Having one item with just one ingredient eliminates the need to check labels, which can take a burden off of someone who regularly needs to check labels.
4: Don't be offended if people bring their own food
I've seen this, where it's seen as rude to the host to not eat their food. I promise you, it's not an attack on the host; it's just a way to make sure there is something accessible. I went to a potluck last month, and both made something for the potluck and brought my own lunch. I got a lot of questions, which meant I was repeating my diet a lot of times. I wasn't upset, but I did feel guilty and slightly removed from the event when I wanted to be included. I have found that if someone isn't eating the food it's not because of a slight or lack of wanting to participate, but it's because of a dietary restriction.
5: If you are close enough to the person, just ask
My friends all know what I can eat by now, and if they have any questions, they just ask me. I don't feel bothered by the questions; if anything, I feel included and cared about because someone else is taking the time to think about me and things I can eat. I have found that it is an expectation that my diet won't be catered to, so when it is, I am appreciative. If you are the one with an allergy or dietary restriction, it can also be nice for you to make something to bring to the function for both accessibility and to share something good you eat. My cookies are becoming a hit; I might bring those to a party I attend or host soon.
Thank you for reading about accessible Halloween and other food-centered holiday party hosting tips for those with dietary restrictions. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!
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