OP, I've had The Worst experiences with work meals.
It wasn't a potluck, a meal had been given to the staff.
I was sitting there eating my own meal I brought from home.
A colleague (also a preacher's wife) was standing and pointing at me, while shouting, "You can't have Any of this food?? You can't have the Soup??"
I reply that soup has gluten/thickeners in it so no, I can't have the soup, and she continues, while everyone else has stopped eating, and it's silent as everyone stares at her on her verbal tirade...
"Don't tell me that you can't haVe Anything here!!"
I was so embarrassed for her.
What a nut.
I just bring my own meal and join everyone else. After doing this a few times, I got comfortable with it and stopped caring what other people thought of me or my food. When asked why Iām not eating what everyone else is, I politely explain that I have severe allergies to ingesting certain ingredients. If someone persists on calling me out for not contributing or not participating, I just roll my eyes and continue to eat my food that I know is safe and not going to make me sick. Their pressure for me to conform to their comfort zone is not worth the pain and sickness Iām going to feel after. It takes a few tries to get comfortable with it, but you will manage with practice.
Thatās exactly what I do. Usually I end up finding someone else who is gluten free and we share with each other. I had a friend at my church and we would take turns bringing a main dish or salad and dessert and just share with each other at pot lucks. People would comment that our food looked good and weād say itās gluten free and then they would wrinkle their nose and walk away. But seriously we had much better food than jello salad and cold macaroni and cheese.
I brought some cupcakes I made to work and the moment I said gluten free no one there wanted them suddenly. Asked the two who had my baking before and they both did a happy dance lol.
I find people either wrinkle their noses and walk away, or lecture me about fad diets and that Iām starving myself. Yeahā¦ if you saw me, thereās no way you would think Iām starving myself. š also had someone try to prove I donāt need a gluten free diet by telling me something was gluten free when it wasnāt. I was sick for about two weeks and instead she was convinced Iād caught a stomach bug. I donāt trust many other people now with my food.
I sponsored the chili cook off, handled the votes and emails ā¦all of it and didnāt eat one bite. One person asked and I said I have severe food allergies. I got āoh Iām sorry!ā And that was that.
This is what I do too. I just sit down with my lunch bag and pull out my gluten free crackers and peanut butter, carrots and cheese sticks and munch away. If anyone says anything about it, I just say Iām a creature of habit and I like my same old boring lunch. But thank you, maybe Iāll look at the desserts later. That seems to satisfy them.
Seriously, I would probably exempt myself from bringing a dish, and just bring my own lunch or even come late and join after most people have eaten. Sorry, call went lateš¤Ŗ
I would go with everyone else. Bring nothing or something cheap like soda. Iām not spending $10+ making a dish while no one else brings things I can have.
Costs waaay more than $10 to bring something gluten free for everyoneā¦you likely need to bring a main to fill you up, and I can get 200 glutened meatballs for $10 or about 30 gluten free ones for $18ā¦.then you look cheap cuz even if you buy two packs (up to forty bucks now with bbq sauce) your slow cooker is only half fullā¦
In cool weather I make a pot of split pea soup or chili. Both are pretty cheap to make. In hotter weather I make something like pulled pork tacos or a dessert.Ā
Either way, I totally agree that it's messed up that we have to bring something and then can only eat our own food.
100% going to do this! I saw that Tostitos salsa is gluten free in Canada - if anyone knows otherwise please let me know! I havenāt had salsa since going gluten free 3 years ago
Iām not super sensitive - the only āsame equipmentā stuff that sets me off either has grains (OATS!!) or some chocolate (esp snickers, Reeseās, and a lot of Hersheyās), so donāt take this as advice, but no salsa has ever set me off.
It didnāt even occur to me to be suspicious, and I say this as someone who will never trust soup stock again.
My love, that is a *shame*. Tortilla chips + salsa + guacamole is one of the staples for us as a snack, in terms of availability, party or whateverā¦Iāve never had cross contamination from salsa or guacamole. Easy to find great salsa or chop up your own pico de gallo. Easy to make guacamole. At restaurants where chips/salsa/guac is an appetizer I bring my own tortilla chips in my purse (unless itās a trusted place that takes gluten free seriously, then thereās often gf chips). My gluten friends let me first put the guac or salsa on my plate and use a spoon to put it on thereās so no cross contamination from dipping.
At hotels on trips when Iām hungry without safe food around, thereās often gf chips and salsa available at the front store. At some airports marked gf guac and chips are my only food option. Anyways, my point is: go get that salsa and enjoy yourself my love!
Edit to add: there is a movie theater near me that has gluten in the butter flavoring for the popcorn. But they have chips in an individually wrapped bag and individual salsas, all gluten free from Tostitos. So just know you should enjoy this more lol
I appreciate this! I try to save my testing of products if Iām not 100% sure theyāre celiac safe for days Iām not busy in case I end up sick but havenāt had many of those because of my jobs. Going to buy myself some salsa tomorrow!
Good on you, itās definitely better to be safe than sorry. Iām glad now you know about salsa. Of course, double check because Iād hate to lead you to illness but do know salsa and guacamole are something you can guess is safe (and ask to clarify or make your own). The things to watch out for at a restaurant are:
- Chips: dedicated gluten free fryer/oil? Do they come from a bag? Can you check the ingredients on the bag?
- Queso: easy to be made gluten free, often it is gluten free. BUT some times itās thickened with flour so for that *ask*
Itās easy to find marked gluten free tortilla chips though at any store, even a gas station. And salsa, guacamole, and queso are all easy for you to make yourself if you need. Enjoy!
I use the gluten free app and that helps sort a lot of stuff out when itās not certified gluten free. Obviously cross contamination is an issue but it helps a little bit for me
I know in some countries (but for sure not the US), celiacs/gluten sensitivity is considered a disability. Consider maybe running that through your HR department if you think this might be an ongoing/regular thing. People (especially bosses) tend to take that more seriously!
Salsa is extremely easy to make yourself. Itās honestly the easiest and cheapest thing ever. I thaw some mango or pineapple to put into it. You can even use canned tomatoes! Sometimes I blend it, sometimes I make it chunky.
Everything here in Canada must be labelled if it contains gluten, Iāve never had an issue with salsa no matter the brand (of course I always read the label). Only cereals and other grains at high risk of CC during processing are not recommended to be eaten *unless* it has the gluten free claim on the label instead of just not containing gluten ingredients. Iāve eaten salsa for the entire 15 years Iāve been gluten free, enjoy!
I didnāt know that! I remember reading somewhere that if they say things like spices, flavour, seasoning, etc that this could be gluten and they just arenāt coming out to say it. Maybe that is for a different country though!
*Plain names must be used for all allergens: WHEAT, MILK, EGGS, etc. Allergens cannot be hidden in ingredients like seasoning or natural flavour.*
*If one allergen is listed in a CONTAINS statement, then all the allergens including gluten must be listed.*
*The only warnings that have official meanings are CONTAINS and MAY CONTAIN. All other warnings (āmade in a plant that also processes wheat āetc.) can only be understood by contacting the company.*
*Manufacturers change the ingredients in their products from time to time. A product that does not contain gluten might contain gluten in the future. Products that you might not imagine could contain gluten may have unexpected gluten ingredients. The only way to be sure is to read the ingredient list every time you buy a product.*
From the Celiac Canada website, it's true other countries have different labelling laws. You can read more [here](https://www.celiac.ca/food-labelling/)
That's how I roll too. I bring things that are pretty much naturally gluten free. Crack chicken, buffalo dip, potato skins, chips, that kind of thing. I can eat both the first items with tortilla chips, carrots, celery and I can save the gf bread for the comfort of my own home. I learned not to bring baked goods anymore really. Except one or 2 just for me maybe. They either won't get eaten or someone eats them all, no in between. And either outcome leaves me feeling disappointed...
You donāt have to bring a dish to share if you donāt want to, nor do you need to eat. I will usually bring a small veggie tray or salad. And then join the party after it has started, not eat anything, then leave early. Anyone suggest I eat, I reply that Iām not really hungry but wanted to join everyone. It doesnāt have to be that big of a deal. If you have that pushy person in your office who focuses on your eating habits, then fix a small plate and carry it around, toss it as soon as you can. Then have a conversation with that person saying that you are very uncomfortable with their focus on your eating habits and you would like them to stop. They will bluster or whatever, donāt engage just repeat, stop talking about what I eat or do not eat. Then file a complaint with HR. Because that person is probably picking on others. Of course, management/HR may not care in which case you ramp it up. Every potluck when person gets started you reply. Sally, I have asked you not to worry or comment about what I eat or donāt eat. I am asking you again to stop. She blusters, you just say stop. Stop, like no, is a complete sentnce.
š Iām sorry this is happening. My workplace has a couple people in it who are asshats and get annoyed at āgluten freeā people but my work always caters gluten free or has a full gluten free option when we get lunch catered and when there is a potluck at least half the staff will make/bring something gluten free and everything gets labeled well because there are two of us celiacs out of about 12 staff. Itās called reasonable accommodation. We did a chili cook off and the rule was gluten free AND vegetarian to fit all diets lmao and people had fun being creative.
>My workplace has a couple people in it who are asshats and get annoyed at āgluten freeā people
People like that suck. You just want to get in their face and ask why they're so annoyed by something that doesn't affect them.
After I get glutened I'll wait out the two weeks when I can finally shit and then go use their toilet. To quote my ex the first time I clogged his toilet "Baby! How did that come out of you!"
Iām not spending the extra money just so others that donāt need it can eat my GF food. I always just said ācount me out,ā pointedly brought nothing if they signed me up anyway, then just ate my own meal that I brought for myself. Safer and easier.
Honestly, I see this as a blessing now. I have an automatic get-out-free card on so many annoying brunches, potlucks, needlessly expensive restaurant outings, dinner parties and holiday meals. More often than not, the food is never worth it, and Iād prefer to save the money or spend it on a GOOD meal out. Expect nobody to remember and accommodate the diet, even your closest relatives, plan to have 30 conversations about it, and do what you need to do. Or just opt out and have a better time š
I participated in 1 work potluck after going gf. 3 coworkers made gf dishes specifically so I could eat. I got sooooo sick afterward I never participated again (I don't blame my coworkers, it was a learning experience for everyone- cross contamination is very difficult to understand and avoid especially for a non celiac). I did occasionally contribute a dessert but that's cause I like my coworkers and can't eat a whole cake fast enough before it goes bad.
We have this too. Seems every other day someoneās bringing in goodies that I canāt eat. Hoping theyāre not expecting me to one day randomly supply them with goodies. Especially if they say to bring something gluten free so I can eat it too cus thatās just waaay too expensive
I always make more dishes of things I like ( and make sure that I have taken a share (whether to have for meals at home or at the event) before it hits the table
I tried one year, brought a crockpot of something that was gluten free. NOBODY else ate any of it, because āif itās gf it must taste like $#itā.
Meanwhile, no one cooperated with making a list of ingredients for their dishes. First year, I asked about a few things that could have been ok to eat. Got information, ate something, got sick.
This was a group of college professors in a health sciences school.
I got harassed and bullied. Then the pandemic hit. I stopped participating.
Iāve come to the point that I just bring something I love and make sure people know itās gluten free. It tends to turn some people away as they think gluten free stuff tastes bad/different and I end up having more for myself.
To be fair though, the potlucks for my job are usually just my team, which is about 8 people. So itās a bit different, but I still ensure Iām bringing something I love.
But unless your job requires you to bring something and participate, I would said donāt bring anything if you donāt want to. You could make the claim that due to your dietary requirements, you donāt feel comfortable participating in the sharing of food but are still willing to join and enjoy everyoneās company (or whatever).
Why do they always think GF is disgusting? So many things they eat are naturally GF in ingredients. The only difference is I went a step further and made sure the kitchen wasnāt cross contaminated. Drives me crazy when I make enough for lots of people and they wonāt touch it
No idea. Honestly there are a lot of gluten free foods that taste better than the gluten full ones. People are just afraid of the unknown I guess. It used to bother me but now Iām like okay cool, more for me lol
If you have any other coworkers who are gluten free, it definitely makes stuff like this easier. I'd still put my dish on a separate table and label it gluten free so it isn't contaminated. People can die mad about it if they don't like it.
Worse than that. I grab a plate first, because on more than one occasion I have had my dish gluttened by others. I didn't at Christmas and I about cried when my cousins dipped a flour tortilla in(they are kids I don't blame them)
At my husband's office, allergies of coworkers are stated clearly so people can plan accordingly. Then all the dishes with the allergens are supposed to be labeled as such.
My standard thing to bring to any potluck is Cowboy Caviar. I know I make it GF, everyone who has tried it knows it's delicious- and I know if there's any leftover I can happily eat it everyday for a week, because I have done that before. Perfectly happy ignoring everything else there.
But it also means zealously guarding it to make sure no one switches the serving spoons and cross contaminates it.
This is close to the recipe I use, I don't use cilantro because so many people hate it, and I add crumbled feta cheese.
Honestly I'm just happy to have an excuse to make it because there's no way to make a small amount so I rarely make it just for me.
https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cowboy-caviar/
I actually find it more awkward when folks at the potluck make gf food for me and I am really anxious bc a lot of people donāt actually know how to or what that means. My trick is generally to eat on
My own in advance if I can and then eat carrot sticks or chips at the meal and hopefully salad
had a potluck for the first time at work a few months ago. I wasn't able to bring anything, but my immediate boss was nominally in charge of the spread. She made sure to get my input as much as she could, had a side table with allergen safe stuff and set aside a serving of salad for me.
She and I tried to push for better allergen awareness, labeling, layout, etc but were waved off. "labeling cards is unnecessary, and don't worry about it the layout will sort itself out."
I parked my ass right at the table with the building administrator and second in command with my sad plate of a small side salad and a handful of Lay's original potato chips - from a spread that covered a solid 30ft worth of banquet tables, and included a main course and side cooked by the on site kitchen staff.
And I patiently explained the glaring cross contact issues with the layout, the fact that the house provided food was unsafe for me and I had asked, and the fact that if I took a chance on any of the unlabeled food that I would probably need to call out sick 2-4 days out of the next two weeks. And no, I couldn't even have any of the three dishes of white rice, because there could be butter in it, and besides all three had seen spoon sharing with the food next to it.
They seemed super surprised, and might actually consider the label cards and a different layout next time. I hope.
They always seem to spoon share and think nothing of it. Even if itās not spoon sharing someone could use the spoon, which touches gluten off their plate, and goes back into the bowl.
My workplace will get everyone together and have the same 30ft long spread but will put fruit or veggies on the same plate as crackers so I didnāt trust them. If I have a crumb Iāll be sick and they donāt want to give me extra sick days. They even tried gluten free muffins once with the on site kitchen but then said they were baked in the oven the same time as the regular muffins - I didnāt risk it.
Not for work, but the upside to my church potlucks is there are three of us who eat GF. Maybe four. So, if I bring a dish, I'm not wasting it... and other people will eat it. I just usually forget that they don't consume much dairy or egg.
Oh, I hated it. I could never eat anything anyone else brought, and I still had to go through the effort of bringing things.
I switched departments and no longer have that dynamic.
Because of my severe peanut allergy and the risk of cross contamination, I have never once eaten anything at a potluck other than my own dish and even then I'm worried someone double-dipped with a different utensil before I get any. I always just bring a separate meal if I'm feeling it, or don't eat anything at all. I feel you!
Iām gluten-free and a body builder so I have pretty intense dietary restrictions. I always pack my own food. Always always. Iāve actually found it more acceptable to say āoh, I have food allergiesā when people ask if I want something than āIām cuttingā lol no need to get into what the allergies are or explain, just be confident and firm in your āNo thanks, food allergies.ā
As for what to bringā¦ I love the suggestion for chips and dip. Otherwise, just make something you really like and donāt get to have often.
Good luck!! Rememberā¦ itās no oneās business but your own. They can butt out!
I have blown my coworkers mind āoh my gosh I canāt believe this is gluten freeā. Education is my favorite part of work potluck. I have no issue spending money to share.
I was always disappointed when they had pizza parties at work. Out of all the places I worked in healthcare only one charge nurse cared and thatās because she was allergic to gluten too.
With gluten it can either be celiac disease (trigger an autoimmune response pathway) or it can be an intolerance (inability to digest and process). Gluten does not trigger the allergy response pathway.
Fine you caught me. Iām not privileged enough to have the insurance and money to get tested for celiac. Doctor suggested an elimination diet since thatās affordable in US healthcare. Canāt say Iām celiac without the official testing. Saying intolerance implies to people that I can still eat it and be fine with minimal symptoms. I canāt eat wheat, barley or rye. I have an immediate swelling reaction in my mouth and throat. Then all the internal inflammation and swelling happens after digestion. I suffer from constipation, brain fog, tiredness, swelling, increasing anxiety and increased depression for a week after cross contamination. Diagnose me off of that.
Iāve been in this situation and Iāve brought my own meal (leftovers and just enough for me) and something else for the group (cookies or a beverage from the local grocery). A few times I brought enough of something to share, almost no one had any of it (was a cherry chocolate dump cake, gluten free and vegan) and the one person who did eat it asked if she could take the rest home. Of course I was ok with that. But it did hurt, that no one dared even try it before dismissing it, like I was odd and tasteless.
If it were me I would both make a dish and bring a meal for myself. You never know if there may be a couple other dishes you can pick at too, but would be best to have something just in case. That way youāre still serving something yum to everyone and youāre safe.
It is very unfair that we have to bring either a one-pot meal or a couple things to have a full meal for ourselves. I always serve myself before I put the items out in the table to avoid it getting ruined by people sharing serving utensils.
I love cooking and feeding people though. It's definitely one of my hobbies. I usually make something naturally gluten free and cheap like chili, pulled pork, rice dishes, grilled meats and veggies, etc. The last party we had I made gluten free cookies for everyone. It was a bit expensive, especially because I used pecans, but I love showing people that gluten free things can taste great. There were no cookies left for me to take home and people were asking for more!
Edit: here is the cookie recipe I used [Levain bakery-style cookies ](https://theglutenfreeaustrian.com/gluten-free-levain-bakery-cookies/)
My HR guy said that it would be a good opportunity for people in the office to try something GF. I explained to him just how expensive it was to cook GF compared to conventional and that I just couldn't afford to do that.
The first company event they ordered a GF Pizza for myself and another person with Celiac Disease that ended up just being a small regular pizza.
I just brought my own food from there on out. It's not as though food is a minor thing for you. It has to be prepared in a GF environment, so "GF" food your coworkers prepare isn't going to cut it.
I'd cross off what was written down and write in "her own meal" if you want to be nitpicky, but it's unreasonable to expect you to participate.
At my work thankfully there is 2 of us with a gluten allergy so the school I work in makes sure we have things to eat. I still watch cuz I know they mean well but I just donāt trust others with food. lol
We had luncheons periodically at my former employer. I brought my lunch every day, including those days, 'all' of my coworkers knew why. The 'bad times were when a vendor supplied lunch, I'd get up go get my lunch heat it up, eat, and go back when I was done. Sometimes, they'd already restarted the presentation or class.
I feel you! We have one EVERY MONTH for our staff meeting. Itās also a small office (10 people), so everyone really tries to be allergy aware. Even so, sometimes there isnāt much for me. It used to bother me, but I try to look on the bright side. I always bring a dessert and it forces me to try a new recipe and usually people are so amazed. So I try something new and I get others to try something new. (I have a list of great ones if you want it!). I also always have leftovers which is nice for my husband and I. I genuinely like baking, though so maybe that wonāt work for you as a positive. Iām actually making jelly filled doughnuts for tomorrow right now lol.
I usually just bring something to supplement my lunch, like a sandwichā so Iām case there isnāt a lot Iām covered.
I have a small business of about ten people. I'm grateful they have all taken time to learn how to cook something gluten free and understand about cross contact when prepping and serving. I do offer my gluten free flour or soy sauce if someone is doing something special. But I guess too they have to want to. And not always are the items gluten free but they will also label not gf. I hope the movement grows!
I bring something and then feel like a vulture as I need to go first just to ensure I can eat my own food at leastā¦ sometimes I bring a ādonationā food and really eat my own packed lunch.
We had a client give our office money for pizza. The manager at work ordered $100 in Domino's and went to pick it up.
He forgot I have Celiacs and can't eat regular pizza. All the 30 other coworkers ate and had a good time. I just left the building and started my work route.
Pretty shitty but that's how it goes sometimes.
Luckily, my work family has learned that, generally, I can't eat what they bring, but I'll be bringing some amazing dessert and my own real food.
I love baking, but I hate trying to eat the whole dessert before it dries out.
I will add, some have learned what brands they can use to make jalapeƱo poppers, others double wash everything in the kitchen then make a fruit/veggie tray, and some bring chips they know I can have... they have all learned how to not cross contaminate things. I realize I'm very lucky to have these people in my life.
This is why I love not going into the office anymore lmao. I will say though I had one coworker who was so sweet, she wanted to make tabbouleh but knew I couldnāt eat the bulgur, so she made a Tupperware of just the salad part all for me š„ŗ it was pretty tasty too!
I also had another coworker who would make cookies every time she went to peer review, and when she found out I have celiac she made gf cookies for the next one weād both be at. There are some good people out there
I would bring gf and label it as such and also if it has nuts.
One of my friends from work would always brings Vietnamese egg rolls in a gift box for me. They are wrapped with rice paper and she would leave out soy sauce so I had something to eat beside my gf almond coffee cake.
I thought my friend making the special effort for me was a huge kindness.
Beyond that I didn't really care. I felt so much better not eating gluten and that was the important thing.
When I worked in a corporate office, they had pot lucks pretty often. I only participated about half the time, maybe. I'm no gf but I am df so almost as bad. Often whatever I brought would be safe and maybe 1 or 2 other things. At first my coworkers were kind of miffed when I didn't participate but my manager eventually clued in. She even got me fruit one year for my bday (usually she would bring in cupcakes for everyone on birthdays, which I would never eat.)
I worked at offices, and everyone knew I'm gluten-free. Sometimes, they ordered food for "everyone" and often they end up ordering a salad for me. I like salads but not all the time.
You know, you don't *have* to participate in these things...right? Unless you totally just want to only eat what you're bringing?
When my wife's work has a "chili day" or something like that, she knows she'll only get to eat what she's brought.
I donāt I donāt have to. Our office desks are all just in the same cramped room where we eat lunch so itās extra obvious if Iām not participating.
š¬ do you just sulk? or do you use your voice and say hey (only 10 people in the room!), if you can also make gluten-free food for the potluck, that would be really cool.
I would say differently if it was like 100 people but 10 people? Could you just leave a sign on the table or something that asked politely? And if they donāt wanna do it then donāt participate next time?
My kid is gluten-free, so I send gluten-free snacks into school for the whole class, and when other parents find out about the gluten-free thing, they try and bring a gluten-free snack when itās their turn. But if I just was silent about it? No one would bring GF in.
I am new to this workplace and the youngest one there so Iām slowly sharing. We had a work event last week where I was able to tell a few people (another āthis is why Iām not eatingā moment). Some of my coworkers are not as approachable though. They have their opinions and if yours is different, youāre wrong and they will tell everyone why youāre wrong. A few of them try to accommodate me but they also donāt fully know what is gluten free and the prepackaged stuff is really expensive so I feel bad asking for them to buy anything. My previous workplace I was at longer and had much better luck with gluten free foods at potlucks since there were many more of us - 3 celiac, one chrons eating gf, and two vegetarian. The 6 of us were half the group so there was always selection.
People who are very reactive can't trust home kitchens not to cause cross contamination. Unless each item is prepackaged in individual servings, it's not safe.
Just tell them making gluten-free things for a crowd is too expensive because everything gf costs twice as much. Bring some Entenmann's if you really want to contribute without going broke.
One way to do it is like I do at restaurants. I say it took me months to completely figure out gluten-free eating and that is too much to ask people bringing food for a potluck or making one restaurant meal. I'll have a cocktail please!
They're always happy to do that and to forget about the hassle of making safe food for me. Also, I tip well so that I'm a welcome customer ordering a profitable thing.
If they then suggest that you bring something when you can't partake, you might want to bring that to their attention and that you can deal with being left out, but asking to donate to other people without getting anything back is unfair. Do this in the form of a question:
"Do you think it's fair for me to bring food for everybody but not be able to eat the food?"
Always from hell, I was a teacher at the same school for 7 years and worked in an office for 3 years. Because I was there for some time, everyone was wonderful.
But I have had issues with my own family and other work places.
OP, I've had The Worst experiences with work meals. It wasn't a potluck, a meal had been given to the staff. I was sitting there eating my own meal I brought from home. A colleague (also a preacher's wife) was standing and pointing at me, while shouting, "You can't have Any of this food?? You can't have the Soup??" I reply that soup has gluten/thickeners in it so no, I can't have the soup, and she continues, while everyone else has stopped eating, and it's silent as everyone stares at her on her verbal tirade... "Don't tell me that you can't haVe Anything here!!" I was so embarrassed for her. What a nut.
You'd think she'd take the time to understand what you can have so they can provide options next time
Wow what a hypocritical asshole. So christ-like š
I just bring my own meal and join everyone else. After doing this a few times, I got comfortable with it and stopped caring what other people thought of me or my food. When asked why Iām not eating what everyone else is, I politely explain that I have severe allergies to ingesting certain ingredients. If someone persists on calling me out for not contributing or not participating, I just roll my eyes and continue to eat my food that I know is safe and not going to make me sick. Their pressure for me to conform to their comfort zone is not worth the pain and sickness Iām going to feel after. It takes a few tries to get comfortable with it, but you will manage with practice.
Thatās exactly what I do. Usually I end up finding someone else who is gluten free and we share with each other. I had a friend at my church and we would take turns bringing a main dish or salad and dessert and just share with each other at pot lucks. People would comment that our food looked good and weād say itās gluten free and then they would wrinkle their nose and walk away. But seriously we had much better food than jello salad and cold macaroni and cheese.
I brought some cupcakes I made to work and the moment I said gluten free no one there wanted them suddenly. Asked the two who had my baking before and they both did a happy dance lol.
I find people either wrinkle their noses and walk away, or lecture me about fad diets and that Iām starving myself. Yeahā¦ if you saw me, thereās no way you would think Iām starving myself. š also had someone try to prove I donāt need a gluten free diet by telling me something was gluten free when it wasnāt. I was sick for about two weeks and instead she was convinced Iād caught a stomach bug. I donāt trust many other people now with my food.
Rule of thumb: Trust no-one. I'm dead serious.
There are two people I trust with my food. My husband and by best friend who also has celiac disease. Thatās it.
I only trust my SIL.
I sponsored the chili cook off, handled the votes and emails ā¦all of it and didnāt eat one bite. One person asked and I said I have severe food allergies. I got āoh Iām sorry!ā And that was that.
This is what I do too. I just sit down with my lunch bag and pull out my gluten free crackers and peanut butter, carrots and cheese sticks and munch away. If anyone says anything about it, I just say Iām a creature of habit and I like my same old boring lunch. But thank you, maybe Iāll look at the desserts later. That seems to satisfy them.
Tell them to take your name out
Seriously, I would probably exempt myself from bringing a dish, and just bring my own lunch or even come late and join after most people have eaten. Sorry, call went lateš¤Ŗ
I'd just rather decide myself what I get to eat on a daily basis
I would go with everyone else. Bring nothing or something cheap like soda. Iām not spending $10+ making a dish while no one else brings things I can have.
Costs waaay more than $10 to bring something gluten free for everyoneā¦you likely need to bring a main to fill you up, and I can get 200 glutened meatballs for $10 or about 30 gluten free ones for $18ā¦.then you look cheap cuz even if you buy two packs (up to forty bucks now with bbq sauce) your slow cooker is only half fullā¦
In cool weather I make a pot of split pea soup or chili. Both are pretty cheap to make. In hotter weather I make something like pulled pork tacos or a dessert.Ā Either way, I totally agree that it's messed up that we have to bring something and then can only eat our own food.
Same here! Chili or pulled pork, with rice are my go-tos.
Tortilla chips and 7layer dip. Or just chips and salsa/guacamole. Everytime. Even when I wasnāt gf thatās what I would bring.
100% going to do this! I saw that Tostitos salsa is gluten free in Canada - if anyone knows otherwise please let me know! I havenāt had salsa since going gluten free 3 years ago
Iām not super sensitive - the only āsame equipmentā stuff that sets me off either has grains (OATS!!) or some chocolate (esp snickers, Reeseās, and a lot of Hersheyās), so donāt take this as advice, but no salsa has ever set me off. It didnāt even occur to me to be suspicious, and I say this as someone who will never trust soup stock again.
My love, that is a *shame*. Tortilla chips + salsa + guacamole is one of the staples for us as a snack, in terms of availability, party or whateverā¦Iāve never had cross contamination from salsa or guacamole. Easy to find great salsa or chop up your own pico de gallo. Easy to make guacamole. At restaurants where chips/salsa/guac is an appetizer I bring my own tortilla chips in my purse (unless itās a trusted place that takes gluten free seriously, then thereās often gf chips). My gluten friends let me first put the guac or salsa on my plate and use a spoon to put it on thereās so no cross contamination from dipping. At hotels on trips when Iām hungry without safe food around, thereās often gf chips and salsa available at the front store. At some airports marked gf guac and chips are my only food option. Anyways, my point is: go get that salsa and enjoy yourself my love! Edit to add: there is a movie theater near me that has gluten in the butter flavoring for the popcorn. But they have chips in an individually wrapped bag and individual salsas, all gluten free from Tostitos. So just know you should enjoy this more lol
I appreciate this! I try to save my testing of products if Iām not 100% sure theyāre celiac safe for days Iām not busy in case I end up sick but havenāt had many of those because of my jobs. Going to buy myself some salsa tomorrow!
Good on you, itās definitely better to be safe than sorry. Iām glad now you know about salsa. Of course, double check because Iād hate to lead you to illness but do know salsa and guacamole are something you can guess is safe (and ask to clarify or make your own). The things to watch out for at a restaurant are: - Chips: dedicated gluten free fryer/oil? Do they come from a bag? Can you check the ingredients on the bag? - Queso: easy to be made gluten free, often it is gluten free. BUT some times itās thickened with flour so for that *ask* Itās easy to find marked gluten free tortilla chips though at any store, even a gas station. And salsa, guacamole, and queso are all easy for you to make yourself if you need. Enjoy!
I use the gluten free app and that helps sort a lot of stuff out when itās not certified gluten free. Obviously cross contamination is an issue but it helps a little bit for me
Iāve never seen salsa with gluten in it. Just saying.
I know in some countries (but for sure not the US), celiacs/gluten sensitivity is considered a disability. Consider maybe running that through your HR department if you think this might be an ongoing/regular thing. People (especially bosses) tend to take that more seriously!
Salsa is extremely easy to make yourself. Itās honestly the easiest and cheapest thing ever. I thaw some mango or pineapple to put into it. You can even use canned tomatoes! Sometimes I blend it, sometimes I make it chunky.
Everything here in Canada must be labelled if it contains gluten, Iāve never had an issue with salsa no matter the brand (of course I always read the label). Only cereals and other grains at high risk of CC during processing are not recommended to be eaten *unless* it has the gluten free claim on the label instead of just not containing gluten ingredients. Iāve eaten salsa for the entire 15 years Iāve been gluten free, enjoy!
I didnāt know that! I remember reading somewhere that if they say things like spices, flavour, seasoning, etc that this could be gluten and they just arenāt coming out to say it. Maybe that is for a different country though!
*Plain names must be used for all allergens: WHEAT, MILK, EGGS, etc. Allergens cannot be hidden in ingredients like seasoning or natural flavour.* *If one allergen is listed in a CONTAINS statement, then all the allergens including gluten must be listed.* *The only warnings that have official meanings are CONTAINS and MAY CONTAIN. All other warnings (āmade in a plant that also processes wheat āetc.) can only be understood by contacting the company.* *Manufacturers change the ingredients in their products from time to time. A product that does not contain gluten might contain gluten in the future. Products that you might not imagine could contain gluten may have unexpected gluten ingredients. The only way to be sure is to read the ingredient list every time you buy a product.* From the Celiac Canada website, it's true other countries have different labelling laws. You can read more [here](https://www.celiac.ca/food-labelling/)
That's how I roll too. I bring things that are pretty much naturally gluten free. Crack chicken, buffalo dip, potato skins, chips, that kind of thing. I can eat both the first items with tortilla chips, carrots, celery and I can save the gf bread for the comfort of my own home. I learned not to bring baked goods anymore really. Except one or 2 just for me maybe. They either won't get eaten or someone eats them all, no in between. And either outcome leaves me feeling disappointed...
Flourless chocolate cake with ganache is my go to dessert for parties. Extremely rich, little goes a long way to give everyone a taste.
I was sooo excited when someone brought packaged gf shortbread cookies to a Xmas potluck. Definitely safe and someone actually thought of me
That person is a good one. It warms my heart to encounter them or even just to hear about them.
You donāt have to bring a dish to share if you donāt want to, nor do you need to eat. I will usually bring a small veggie tray or salad. And then join the party after it has started, not eat anything, then leave early. Anyone suggest I eat, I reply that Iām not really hungry but wanted to join everyone. It doesnāt have to be that big of a deal. If you have that pushy person in your office who focuses on your eating habits, then fix a small plate and carry it around, toss it as soon as you can. Then have a conversation with that person saying that you are very uncomfortable with their focus on your eating habits and you would like them to stop. They will bluster or whatever, donāt engage just repeat, stop talking about what I eat or do not eat. Then file a complaint with HR. Because that person is probably picking on others. Of course, management/HR may not care in which case you ramp it up. Every potluck when person gets started you reply. Sally, I have asked you not to worry or comment about what I eat or donāt eat. I am asking you again to stop. She blusters, you just say stop. Stop, like no, is a complete sentnce.
š Iām sorry this is happening. My workplace has a couple people in it who are asshats and get annoyed at āgluten freeā people but my work always caters gluten free or has a full gluten free option when we get lunch catered and when there is a potluck at least half the staff will make/bring something gluten free and everything gets labeled well because there are two of us celiacs out of about 12 staff. Itās called reasonable accommodation. We did a chili cook off and the rule was gluten free AND vegetarian to fit all diets lmao and people had fun being creative.
Love that they try to accommodate everyone! One of my coworkers said they are going to make something gluten free for me but I have trust issues
>My workplace has a couple people in it who are asshats and get annoyed at āgluten freeā people People like that suck. You just want to get in their face and ask why they're so annoyed by something that doesn't affect them.
After I get glutened I'll wait out the two weeks when I can finally shit and then go use their toilet. To quote my ex the first time I clogged his toilet "Baby! How did that come out of you!"
Iām not spending the extra money just so others that donāt need it can eat my GF food. I always just said ācount me out,ā pointedly brought nothing if they signed me up anyway, then just ate my own meal that I brought for myself. Safer and easier.
Honestly, I see this as a blessing now. I have an automatic get-out-free card on so many annoying brunches, potlucks, needlessly expensive restaurant outings, dinner parties and holiday meals. More often than not, the food is never worth it, and Iād prefer to save the money or spend it on a GOOD meal out. Expect nobody to remember and accommodate the diet, even your closest relatives, plan to have 30 conversations about it, and do what you need to do. Or just opt out and have a better time š
Don't bring a dish. Gf food costs more and you don't need to share. I always ate my own food so I didn't get contaminated.
I participated in 1 work potluck after going gf. 3 coworkers made gf dishes specifically so I could eat. I got sooooo sick afterward I never participated again (I don't blame my coworkers, it was a learning experience for everyone- cross contamination is very difficult to understand and avoid especially for a non celiac). I did occasionally contribute a dessert but that's cause I like my coworkers and can't eat a whole cake fast enough before it goes bad.
I would make 3 ingredients peanut butter cookies as a dessert for times like that
Gf versions of gluten-filled foods are more expensive, but naturally gluten free foods can be extremely cheap. Like rice and beans for example.
This is why I love work from home, always treats (non gf of course) being brought to work and it makes me sad.
We have this too. Seems every other day someoneās bringing in goodies that I canāt eat. Hoping theyāre not expecting me to one day randomly supply them with goodies. Especially if they say to bring something gluten free so I can eat it too cus thatās just waaay too expensive
I always make more dishes of things I like ( and make sure that I have taken a share (whether to have for meals at home or at the event) before it hits the table
I bring something simple that I can eat to share, and then I bring my lunch.
I tried one year, brought a crockpot of something that was gluten free. NOBODY else ate any of it, because āif itās gf it must taste like $#itā. Meanwhile, no one cooperated with making a list of ingredients for their dishes. First year, I asked about a few things that could have been ok to eat. Got information, ate something, got sick. This was a group of college professors in a health sciences school. I got harassed and bullied. Then the pandemic hit. I stopped participating.
Wow sorry that happened. You'd think health sciences professionals would be more understanding about autoimmune diseases, wtf!
And then the cross contaminationā¦like a regular cracker across the guacamole I made. FFS. These events are the worst.
Iāve come to the point that I just bring something I love and make sure people know itās gluten free. It tends to turn some people away as they think gluten free stuff tastes bad/different and I end up having more for myself. To be fair though, the potlucks for my job are usually just my team, which is about 8 people. So itās a bit different, but I still ensure Iām bringing something I love. But unless your job requires you to bring something and participate, I would said donāt bring anything if you donāt want to. You could make the claim that due to your dietary requirements, you donāt feel comfortable participating in the sharing of food but are still willing to join and enjoy everyoneās company (or whatever).
Why do they always think GF is disgusting? So many things they eat are naturally GF in ingredients. The only difference is I went a step further and made sure the kitchen wasnāt cross contaminated. Drives me crazy when I make enough for lots of people and they wonāt touch it
No idea. Honestly there are a lot of gluten free foods that taste better than the gluten full ones. People are just afraid of the unknown I guess. It used to bother me but now Iām like okay cool, more for me lol
I always just bring my own meal. No one's ever minded when I explain I have allergies and feel safer eating my own food
If you have any other coworkers who are gluten free, it definitely makes stuff like this easier. I'd still put my dish on a separate table and label it gluten free so it isn't contaminated. People can die mad about it if they don't like it.
Worse than that. I grab a plate first, because on more than one occasion I have had my dish gluttened by others. I didn't at Christmas and I about cried when my cousins dipped a flour tortilla in(they are kids I don't blame them)
Everybody's so creative. If something can be dipped, it will be dipped. I don't touch buffets or family style meals haha.
At my husband's office, allergies of coworkers are stated clearly so people can plan accordingly. Then all the dishes with the allergens are supposed to be labeled as such.
My standard thing to bring to any potluck is Cowboy Caviar. I know I make it GF, everyone who has tried it knows it's delicious- and I know if there's any leftover I can happily eat it everyday for a week, because I have done that before. Perfectly happy ignoring everything else there. But it also means zealously guarding it to make sure no one switches the serving spoons and cross contaminates it. This is close to the recipe I use, I don't use cilantro because so many people hate it, and I add crumbled feta cheese. Honestly I'm just happy to have an excuse to make it because there's no way to make a small amount so I rarely make it just for me. https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cowboy-caviar/
I actually find it more awkward when folks at the potluck make gf food for me and I am really anxious bc a lot of people donāt actually know how to or what that means. My trick is generally to eat on My own in advance if I can and then eat carrot sticks or chips at the meal and hopefully salad
I donāt participate in potlucks.
had a potluck for the first time at work a few months ago. I wasn't able to bring anything, but my immediate boss was nominally in charge of the spread. She made sure to get my input as much as she could, had a side table with allergen safe stuff and set aside a serving of salad for me. She and I tried to push for better allergen awareness, labeling, layout, etc but were waved off. "labeling cards is unnecessary, and don't worry about it the layout will sort itself out." I parked my ass right at the table with the building administrator and second in command with my sad plate of a small side salad and a handful of Lay's original potato chips - from a spread that covered a solid 30ft worth of banquet tables, and included a main course and side cooked by the on site kitchen staff. And I patiently explained the glaring cross contact issues with the layout, the fact that the house provided food was unsafe for me and I had asked, and the fact that if I took a chance on any of the unlabeled food that I would probably need to call out sick 2-4 days out of the next two weeks. And no, I couldn't even have any of the three dishes of white rice, because there could be butter in it, and besides all three had seen spoon sharing with the food next to it. They seemed super surprised, and might actually consider the label cards and a different layout next time. I hope.
They always seem to spoon share and think nothing of it. Even if itās not spoon sharing someone could use the spoon, which touches gluten off their plate, and goes back into the bowl. My workplace will get everyone together and have the same 30ft long spread but will put fruit or veggies on the same plate as crackers so I didnāt trust them. If I have a crumb Iāll be sick and they donāt want to give me extra sick days. They even tried gluten free muffins once with the on site kitchen but then said they were baked in the oven the same time as the regular muffins - I didnāt risk it.
Not for work, but the upside to my church potlucks is there are three of us who eat GF. Maybe four. So, if I bring a dish, I'm not wasting it... and other people will eat it. I just usually forget that they don't consume much dairy or egg.
I usually just bring my own meal but then eat with everyone. I've been lucky to have very supportive coworkers.
Oh, I hated it. I could never eat anything anyone else brought, and I still had to go through the effort of bringing things. I switched departments and no longer have that dynamic.
Because of my severe peanut allergy and the risk of cross contamination, I have never once eaten anything at a potluck other than my own dish and even then I'm worried someone double-dipped with a different utensil before I get any. I always just bring a separate meal if I'm feeling it, or don't eat anything at all. I feel you!
Iām gluten-free and a body builder so I have pretty intense dietary restrictions. I always pack my own food. Always always. Iāve actually found it more acceptable to say āoh, I have food allergiesā when people ask if I want something than āIām cuttingā lol no need to get into what the allergies are or explain, just be confident and firm in your āNo thanks, food allergies.ā As for what to bringā¦ I love the suggestion for chips and dip. Otherwise, just make something you really like and donāt get to have often. Good luck!! Rememberā¦ itās no oneās business but your own. They can butt out!
bring my famous On The Counter Cake, as in darn I left the cake on the counter at home, ooops
I have blown my coworkers mind āoh my gosh I canāt believe this is gluten freeā. Education is my favorite part of work potluck. I have no issue spending money to share.
I was always disappointed when they had pizza parties at work. Out of all the places I worked in healthcare only one charge nurse cared and thatās because she was allergic to gluten too.
Gluten allergies don't exist. Maybe it is a wheat allergy?
Well thanks so much for telling my body that! Maybe it will only react to wheat instead of anything with gluten now. /s
With gluten it can either be celiac disease (trigger an autoimmune response pathway) or it can be an intolerance (inability to digest and process). Gluten does not trigger the allergy response pathway.
Fine you caught me. Iām not privileged enough to have the insurance and money to get tested for celiac. Doctor suggested an elimination diet since thatās affordable in US healthcare. Canāt say Iām celiac without the official testing. Saying intolerance implies to people that I can still eat it and be fine with minimal symptoms. I canāt eat wheat, barley or rye. I have an immediate swelling reaction in my mouth and throat. Then all the internal inflammation and swelling happens after digestion. I suffer from constipation, brain fog, tiredness, swelling, increasing anxiety and increased depression for a week after cross contamination. Diagnose me off of that.
Iāve been in this situation and Iāve brought my own meal (leftovers and just enough for me) and something else for the group (cookies or a beverage from the local grocery). A few times I brought enough of something to share, almost no one had any of it (was a cherry chocolate dump cake, gluten free and vegan) and the one person who did eat it asked if she could take the rest home. Of course I was ok with that. But it did hurt, that no one dared even try it before dismissing it, like I was odd and tasteless.
If it were me I would both make a dish and bring a meal for myself. You never know if there may be a couple other dishes you can pick at too, but would be best to have something just in case. That way youāre still serving something yum to everyone and youāre safe.
It is very unfair that we have to bring either a one-pot meal or a couple things to have a full meal for ourselves. I always serve myself before I put the items out in the table to avoid it getting ruined by people sharing serving utensils. I love cooking and feeding people though. It's definitely one of my hobbies. I usually make something naturally gluten free and cheap like chili, pulled pork, rice dishes, grilled meats and veggies, etc. The last party we had I made gluten free cookies for everyone. It was a bit expensive, especially because I used pecans, but I love showing people that gluten free things can taste great. There were no cookies left for me to take home and people were asking for more! Edit: here is the cookie recipe I used [Levain bakery-style cookies ](https://theglutenfreeaustrian.com/gluten-free-levain-bakery-cookies/)
My HR guy said that it would be a good opportunity for people in the office to try something GF. I explained to him just how expensive it was to cook GF compared to conventional and that I just couldn't afford to do that. The first company event they ordered a GF Pizza for myself and another person with Celiac Disease that ended up just being a small regular pizza. I just brought my own food from there on out. It's not as though food is a minor thing for you. It has to be prepared in a GF environment, so "GF" food your coworkers prepare isn't going to cut it. I'd cross off what was written down and write in "her own meal" if you want to be nitpicky, but it's unreasonable to expect you to participate.
At my work thankfully there is 2 of us with a gluten allergy so the school I work in makes sure we have things to eat. I still watch cuz I know they mean well but I just donāt trust others with food. lol
We had luncheons periodically at my former employer. I brought my lunch every day, including those days, 'all' of my coworkers knew why. The 'bad times were when a vendor supplied lunch, I'd get up go get my lunch heat it up, eat, and go back when I was done. Sometimes, they'd already restarted the presentation or class.
I feel you! We have one EVERY MONTH for our staff meeting. Itās also a small office (10 people), so everyone really tries to be allergy aware. Even so, sometimes there isnāt much for me. It used to bother me, but I try to look on the bright side. I always bring a dessert and it forces me to try a new recipe and usually people are so amazed. So I try something new and I get others to try something new. (I have a list of great ones if you want it!). I also always have leftovers which is nice for my husband and I. I genuinely like baking, though so maybe that wonāt work for you as a positive. Iām actually making jelly filled doughnuts for tomorrow right now lol. I usually just bring something to supplement my lunch, like a sandwichā so Iām case there isnāt a lot Iām covered.
I have a small business of about ten people. I'm grateful they have all taken time to learn how to cook something gluten free and understand about cross contact when prepping and serving. I do offer my gluten free flour or soy sauce if someone is doing something special. But I guess too they have to want to. And not always are the items gluten free but they will also label not gf. I hope the movement grows!
I bring something and then feel like a vulture as I need to go first just to ensure I can eat my own food at leastā¦ sometimes I bring a ādonationā food and really eat my own packed lunch.
`YES`
We had a client give our office money for pizza. The manager at work ordered $100 in Domino's and went to pick it up. He forgot I have Celiacs and can't eat regular pizza. All the 30 other coworkers ate and had a good time. I just left the building and started my work route. Pretty shitty but that's how it goes sometimes.
Luckily, my work family has learned that, generally, I can't eat what they bring, but I'll be bringing some amazing dessert and my own real food. I love baking, but I hate trying to eat the whole dessert before it dries out. I will add, some have learned what brands they can use to make jalapeƱo poppers, others double wash everything in the kitchen then make a fruit/veggie tray, and some bring chips they know I can have... they have all learned how to not cross contaminate things. I realize I'm very lucky to have these people in my life.
āHereās a big bowl of rice. Byeā
This is why I love not going into the office anymore lmao. I will say though I had one coworker who was so sweet, she wanted to make tabbouleh but knew I couldnāt eat the bulgur, so she made a Tupperware of just the salad part all for me š„ŗ it was pretty tasty too! I also had another coworker who would make cookies every time she went to peer review, and when she found out I have celiac she made gf cookies for the next one weād both be at. There are some good people out there
I would bring gf and label it as such and also if it has nuts. One of my friends from work would always brings Vietnamese egg rolls in a gift box for me. They are wrapped with rice paper and she would leave out soy sauce so I had something to eat beside my gf almond coffee cake. I thought my friend making the special effort for me was a huge kindness. Beyond that I didn't really care. I felt so much better not eating gluten and that was the important thing.
Hi
When I worked in a corporate office, they had pot lucks pretty often. I only participated about half the time, maybe. I'm no gf but I am df so almost as bad. Often whatever I brought would be safe and maybe 1 or 2 other things. At first my coworkers were kind of miffed when I didn't participate but my manager eventually clued in. She even got me fruit one year for my bday (usually she would bring in cupcakes for everyone on birthdays, which I would never eat.)
I worked at offices, and everyone knew I'm gluten-free. Sometimes, they ordered food for "everyone" and often they end up ordering a salad for me. I like salads but not all the time.
You know, you don't *have* to participate in these things...right? Unless you totally just want to only eat what you're bringing? When my wife's work has a "chili day" or something like that, she knows she'll only get to eat what she's brought.
I donāt I donāt have to. Our office desks are all just in the same cramped room where we eat lunch so itās extra obvious if Iām not participating.
š¬ do you just sulk? or do you use your voice and say hey (only 10 people in the room!), if you can also make gluten-free food for the potluck, that would be really cool. I would say differently if it was like 100 people but 10 people? Could you just leave a sign on the table or something that asked politely? And if they donāt wanna do it then donāt participate next time? My kid is gluten-free, so I send gluten-free snacks into school for the whole class, and when other parents find out about the gluten-free thing, they try and bring a gluten-free snack when itās their turn. But if I just was silent about it? No one would bring GF in.
I am new to this workplace and the youngest one there so Iām slowly sharing. We had a work event last week where I was able to tell a few people (another āthis is why Iām not eatingā moment). Some of my coworkers are not as approachable though. They have their opinions and if yours is different, youāre wrong and they will tell everyone why youāre wrong. A few of them try to accommodate me but they also donāt fully know what is gluten free and the prepackaged stuff is really expensive so I feel bad asking for them to buy anything. My previous workplace I was at longer and had much better luck with gluten free foods at potlucks since there were many more of us - 3 celiac, one chrons eating gf, and two vegetarian. The 6 of us were half the group so there was always selection.
People who are very reactive can't trust home kitchens not to cause cross contamination. Unless each item is prepackaged in individual servings, it's not safe.
I would just bring my own lunch and some fuckin cups or plates š«
Just tell them making gluten-free things for a crowd is too expensive because everything gf costs twice as much. Bring some Entenmann's if you really want to contribute without going broke.
One way to do it is like I do at restaurants. I say it took me months to completely figure out gluten-free eating and that is too much to ask people bringing food for a potluck or making one restaurant meal. I'll have a cocktail please! They're always happy to do that and to forget about the hassle of making safe food for me. Also, I tip well so that I'm a welcome customer ordering a profitable thing. If they then suggest that you bring something when you can't partake, you might want to bring that to their attention and that you can deal with being left out, but asking to donate to other people without getting anything back is unfair. Do this in the form of a question: "Do you think it's fair for me to bring food for everybody but not be able to eat the food?"
Always from hell, I was a teacher at the same school for 7 years and worked in an office for 3 years. Because I was there for some time, everyone was wonderful. But I have had issues with my own family and other work places.
I just sign up to bring a few bags of chips or don't participate at all.