gluten-free UC

Question

Mr Celiac checking in for UC 2025. 🤓

Biannual post about everything gluten-free (gluten-free UC 2023). 😁 Y'all and San Diego have general been good, but diligence is always called-for. We have to do this (it's a medical thing), y'all. Preferably recent, vetted, experience-based, data-based. Thanks for your patience and consideration! 😊

First, thank you to Esri for consistently thinking about folks with dietary needs. Many of my food-related experiences at the UC have been amazingly good and I genuinely appreciate it. Please keep it up. Please don't be afraid to get better still. 😁

Concerns, needs, hopes etc.:

* knowledgeable staff (both kitchen and service)
* safe, isolated prep areas, utensils, boards, equipment
* separation for buffet-style food (especially when self-serve; people be crazy with those utensils and fingers, y'all)
* clear identification (on service lines, appetizer trays, in menus, on event pamphlets, in dining guides)
* gluten-free certification 
* not just food, but drinks (brands help here)

Venues (ideally wherever there's food):

* restaurants (wherever we're likely to eat on our own)
* bars
* coffee shops
* food trucks
* Map Gallery Reception
* Balboa Park event
* SIG, UG and vendor-sponsored meals and events with food
* vendor hall

I'm interested in feedback and looking for help from anyone affected, involved, in a position to influence. I would be happy to help if there are ways that I can. Please encourage vendors (both GIS and food service) to think about folks with dietary restrictions when they think about food. Those of us with allergic, other medical (like the celiac and Hashimoto's), religious, and/or conscience-driven restrictions truly appreciate your thoughtful planning and efforts.

Thanks again, y'all! 😊

jcloutier · Answer

Hi @JoelWasinger, and thanks for bringing this up and for noting your historically positive experience at Esri User Conference. I understand that you're putting this message out broadly for input from both Esri and your peer conference attendees who may have knowledge about celiac and/or allergen-friendly food options in the surrounding area. From the Esri side of things, our Events team has provided this information for awareness:

All the staff are knowledgeable, and the kitchen provides detailed labeling when items are gluten free.  However, we do not have a gluten free kitchen, i.e. items are made in a facility that uses gluten ingredients.  We also provide gluten free drinks upon request.