Teal Temples: Creating Safer Worship Spaces for Those With Food Allergies

Photo Credit: Magnific

When you hear the words seder meal, communion, or covered dish dinner, what comes to mind? A wonderful gathering of like-minded worshippers or a culinary minefield? The risks that can come from having food allergies in a place of worship are ones that I (Elijah) am all too familiar with. As the son of a minister, I’ve been to many religious events where food took a starring role. These are experiences that millions look forward to and, yet, ones that many people with food allergies dread. It is not that those with food allergies do not desire to participate in the spiritual community that they belong to, but that many places of worship are not safe environments for the allergen community. It is enough to make me break out in mental hives thinking about it!

While I’ve always attempted to take precautions, at fourteen years old, during a church potluck, I ate an unlabeled cookie which I thought was a safe vanilla cookie. It contained one of my primary allergens: peanuts. The ensuing reaction was anaphylactic, required three separate epinephrine injections, and ended with an overnight stay in the pediatric ICU. Since then, my father and I became keenly aware of a lack of education, resources, and even apathy among many in the religious community concerning food allergies. That led us to come up with the idea of “teal temples.” (Teal is the recognized color for food allergy awareness) Worship communities that seek to greatly reduce the allergen-related dangers present in many of their spaces. While no place can guarantee it is 100% allergen-free, there are practical steps that would go a long way. Here are five ideas we believe could help get things started.

A Safety Team

Creating a safer environment may sound like a monumental task, but many aspects don’t require major restructuring or finances at all. They can easily be plugged into existing resources. For example, many worship spaces already have safety teams to manage grounds safety, security, and even medical emergencies. Strengthening these structures by incorporating allergen awareness into existing emergency plans can save lives. This could involve training on the proper application of epinephrine auto-injectors, learning the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and education on common hazardous zones such as kitchens and nurseries. It would also be wise to be in communication with medical experts such as nurses, doctors, or other professionals who may already be members of the congregation and often represent major untapped safety resources. Local emergency services may be willing to conduct simulation training events with your safety team as well.

First Aid Supplies

Have antihistamines and/or epinephrine available on-site in first aid kits. When an anaphylactic reaction is in progress, epinephrine can buy precious time to access emergency medical support. Antihistamines help with the symptoms of smaller reactions. Several major airlines, for example, now carry EpiPens for this very reason, and there has been a push for all airlines to have them. Although having epinephrine on site requires an order from a medical professional, there are many public institutions, such as schools, that have obtained a standing order to have them on site. The laws regarding epinephrine may vary by state, so it’s important to check the stipulations in your region. While stocking specific medication can seem a drastic measure, defibrillators were also once rare in public spaces. They have since been widely adopted due to their lifesaving capabilities. Epinephrine and antihistamines can be lifeline tools.

Food/Beverage Alternatives

Religious meals and ceremonies often require specific food or beverage items to fulfill their purposes. When allowed, it may be wise to consider alternate options that still fulfill the requirements when a ceremonial food item contains a common allergen. This is actually something that many belief systems already do for other dietary restrictions. For example, many churches that use wine for communion also offer a non-alcoholic option. When these alternatives are extended to the realm of food allergens, it enables congregants to participate in these anticipated events rather than being left out. One example we’ve seen over the years is the Teal Pumpkin Project during Halloween events that advertises alternate candy options for those with food allergies. So, at your next Passover observance, consider offering non-mayonnaise horseradish for those allergic to eggs. Consider providing gluten-free bread for communion. The possibilities for inclusion are many, and it sends a positive message of “loving your neighbor” to all participants.

Safe Zones/Events

When exploring long-term methods that can radically reduce risks, a worship community could consider implementing allergen-free zones in the building. Many schools already adopt this strategy with peanut/nut-free areas. If properly monitored, they can create a much safer and more inclusive culture for those who live with food allergies. Another possibility is hosting “teal” allergy-friendly events. Can you imagine a children’s event without the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cheese crackers? It’s possible. This not only provides a safe environment for fellowship, but also establishes a reputation of goodwill by your religious community.

Awareness Classes

Many in the general public are uninformed or ill-informed about food allergies. Many times, I’ve (Chris) heard a parishioner say, “I understand. I’m allergic to milk too.” Only for me to later learn that they were conflating food sensitivity/intolerance with those who face anaphylactic risk. Or a well-meaning individual will claim that they’ve read the ingredients and declare the item safe. That is, until it’s pointed out to them whey is also a dairy product (“I had no idea,” they always say). And there are those doubting Thomases who think food allergies are overblown and you should just say a blessing over the food and eat without fear. Host a food allergy awareness class or seminar. A medical professional in your membership or from a local clinic can lead it. Have food samples that will expose the attendees to alternatives. Give out teal-colored prizes. Make it fun! A well-informed congregation goes a long way in making a more inviting experience for those with allergies. But be aware that even the most well-meaning and well-read congregant can miss something. You can never be too cautious.

These five ideas are by no means the only accommodations that can be made. Other areas you can look into are signage, ingredient labels, or plugging into a food allergen awareness network (or start one!). From information to safety to community building, we encourage you to continue exploring the possibilities. Adopting even a few of the suggested accommodations can have a major impact on the lives of those who live with food allergies. When a space commits to their well-being, those with food allergies are able to join worship with fewer fears and greater safety. And your worship space can become a Teal Temple to the community.

About the Guest Writers

Rev. Chris Hilliard is a hospice chaplain in North Carolina with over twenty years of pastoral experience, and Elijah Hilliard is a student who has lived with anaphylactic food allergies since his birth.