In this episode, we also celebrated World Cocktail Day with a unique blend of advocacy, insight, and the fine art of mixology.

I am thrilled to introduce our incredible trio of guests: Erin Malawer, Executive Director and Founder of Allergy Strong, Georgina Stewart from Nutrient Gap, and Ewan Phillips, Co-founder of And It Has. 🌿🍹

Erin, Georgina, and Ewan join me to explore a crucial topic: transparency in alcohol labeling. Together, we dive into the pressing need for clear labeling to ensure safer choices for individuals with dietary restrictions and allergies.

Erin shares her valuable insights on the importance of having ingredient information at your fingertips and how it could significantly expand options for individuals like herself. Georgina and Ewan bring a wealth of knowledge from both sides of the pond, discussing emerging regulations like Owen's Law in the UK and the challenges of listing allergens on bar menus.

🏷️ We also delve into the complexities of creating cocktails and customizing drinks while maintaining allergen safety. You'll hear about the development of an app designed to provide safe and reliable data for food allergies and dietary restrictions, reinforcing the importance of proper staff training and the ever-growing need for transparent information in the alcohol industry. Moreover, Erin talks about her advocacy efforts for better allergen labeling laws in the U.S., while Georgina highlights the potential for QR codes to provide additional nutritional details.

🍷 Discover the fascinating insights from our guests as they shed light on the intricate landscape of allergen management, the benefits of transparency for both consumers and the food industry, and the exciting initiatives aimed at improving the dining experience for everyone. From EU 1169 and Natasha's Law to creating apps that assist with dietary needs and the importance of clear communication, this episode is packed with vital information.

Join us for a conversation that underscores the significance of clear labels, safer sips, and the ongoing advocacy for increased transparency in alcohol labeling. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

🍽️ Back in May, as we honor Gluten-Free Awareness Month, I am thrilled to bring you this episode direct from Michigan! Join me for a heartfelt and informative conversation with Margaret Clegg, the inspiring founder of MI Gluten Free Gal, as we sit down in person to talk about all things gluten-free.

Broadcasting directly from Margaret's home in Flint, Michigan, 🏠 this episode promises to be a unique blend of personal stories, expert advice, and community support. With over two decades of experience living with Celiac Disease, Margaret has transformed her challenges into opportunities to educate and inspire others.

And, since I’m actually in Michigan, I’m looking forward to getting Margaret’s unique local perspective on gluten-free living in the Great Lakes State!

👩‍🏫 From her personal journey with Celiac Disease, beginning with misunderstood symptoms to a life-changing diagnosis, to her commitment to education and advocacy, Margaret brings a treasure trove of information and inspiration.

Join us as we explore:

• Practical tips for gluten-free dining and shopping in Michigan.
• How local businesses cater to the gluten-free community.
• The importance of community support and local resources for those with Celiac Disease.

🌟 Margaret's story is not just about food; it's about building a supportive community, advocating for better health solutions, and living a full life despite dietary restrictions. Whether you're a Michigan resident or just interested in how different regions handle gluten-free accommodations, this episode is packed with insights.

Celebrate Gluten-Free Awareness Month with Margaret and me by joining the show right here at 12 PM Eastern.

Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com

To kick off Food Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Disease Awareness Month 2024, I had a captivating conversation with Amy Graves, a prominent advocate and expert in consumer food safety and inclusivity. Amy, founder of AMG Innovative Consultants and author of the upcoming book "The Hidden Consumer," shared her journey navigating life with severe food allergies and limited mobility. From battling an unrecognized corn allergy to facing daily accessibility challenges in public spaces and hotels, Amy's personal struggles have shaped not only her dietary choices and living arrangements but also her career trajectory.

We delved into strategies for businesses to effectively connect with and serve this vital consumer base. Amy highlighted the financial benefits of transparency in ingredient labeling and improved accessibility measures, emphasizing the costly repercussions of neglecting these growing demographics.

Our discussion uncovered industry misconceptions about food allergies, the divide between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, and the undisclosed realities of common food products. Amy's experiences, from navigating TSA checkpoints to sourcing safe baking ingredients, underscored the critical gaps in current industry practices.

Amy's journey serves as a powerful example of how personal challenges can catalyze profound changes in the food industry, opening doors to a $19 billion market of allergy-conscious consumers. Together, we stressed the urgency of raising awareness and understanding across all sectors, ensuring a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals with food allergies and celiac disease

. 🌱🍪 Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at tracy@thrivemeetings.com