SEAHO Report - Winter 2023 - 35

dietary needs, accommodations, and special
requests all aim to achieve the same goal, but can be
perceived differently.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
* Has a negative connotation
* Assumes lack, limitations, or deficiency,
which is not always true
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS
* Better than " restrictions, " but still implies a
sense of othering
* One's dietary needs are an afterthought,
instead of being incorporated into the plan
DIETARY NEEDS
* Preferred language!
* Removes the deficit perspective and
mindset
* Values individual circumstances
PRACTICAL TIPS
Now, reflect on this article. Ask yourself, what is my
relationship with food? Review the following food
practices and commit to incorporating one or more
into your work:
1. Educate yourself
a. Know different food lifestyles and
needs (veganism, Kosher, Halal,
gluten-free, peanut allergies).
b. Research the top common allergens
and try your best to avoid them
c. Think about ways to prevent crosscontamination
d.
Think of other ways to remove
deficit language
2. Incorporate into your plan
a. Plan to have and serve diverse food
populations. Consider centering
those with dietary needs for the
main entrees and add stations that
include meat, gluten, and other
options.
b. Ask students and colleagues for
food suggestions and provide them
at future events
3. Create a food list
a. Make a list of food items that
support multiple dietary needs.
Include entree and snack ideas.
b. Keep this list in an accessible place
and continuously add to it
4. Multiple Options and Equity
a. Now that you've created your list,
be sure to offer more than one food
option.
b. Furthermore, find options that
are equivalent to the other food
provided. For example, if everyone
else has chicken strips and pizza, do
not solely provide fruit to those with
dietary needs.
CONCLUSION AND REMINDERS
As our student demographics change, we have
to be prepared to serve emerging populations.
Currently, there is a focus on food consumption and
options. For some, the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic allowed many students to reconsider their
food choices. Additionally, this is an opportunity to
expand and reframe how we define social identities
and inclusive communities, as well as expand
our understanding of cultural norms, language,
and privilege. Although food consumption is a
daily activity for most, everyone has a different
relationship and how we talk about our differences
can impact our goal of creating inclusive and
welcoming environments. What someone else needs
is not a restriction; instead, it is what they need for
sustenance and to thrive.
REMINDERS
As we continue to explore this identity, it is important
to be mindful of the following:
* People have different needs for various
reasons. Some reasons may be attached to
trauma. Be mindful of the possible harm you
may cause by inquiring about one's dietary
needs. Give people the space, autonomy,
agency, and respect to choose whether or
not to share their medical and/or personal
information.
35
SEAHO Report - Winter 2023

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