by Brandy Carvalho

The first step is to call ahead. Don’t blindside a caterer with a dietary request 5 minutes before it is meal time. They have to prepare the food ahead of time. Write that you would like a veggie meal in your RSVP, but call to follow up if you don’t get confirmation. Funny enough, people almost always tell me they are jealous that I have something other than the dry, flavorless chicken they all have after they see my special meal.
If you are going to a private function, kindly let the host know. Be ready with some easy ideas for them (check out our website here) or offer to bring something to share. No host wants to be embarrassed that there is nothing you can eat!
Sometimes I bring a snack, just in case the food is not sufficient. And, if the event is some kind of meat celebration, like a BBQ, I eat beforehand and respectfully tell people why I am not eating if they ask. I avoid the soapbox, but am never shy about sharing why I don’t eat animal protein.