Over the semester, there were many times when I brought sweets to various get togethers. I also brought food to sorority events and to other events in some of my other organizations. Each time, I set my food out with all the other food and watched as people tried everything.
When people would ask if I brought something, I often didn't want to tell them what I brought because I never know how they'll react. Am I the only one with this feeling? It's the feeling that if I tell them, they won't want to try it because they think that living gluten free sucks or that the food is bad or whatever else...
Nonetheless, I usually come out and tell them immediately. It feels good knowing that through these experiences more people are able to learn about gluten, what it is, and why people don't eat it. What I love is when I see people's perspectives change. It's encouraging when someone who has previously said "living gluten free must really suck" comes back and says "wow, you can't tell this is gluten free. It's nothing like what I expected".
It felt good finding out that my professor, who brought gluten-filled pizza for the class, actually doesn't eat gluten, but was able to enjoy the treats that I brought because they were gluten free. :) It's uplifting when people ask for your brownie recipe because "these brownies are way better than normal brownies". (cough cough, I don't have a recipe. I used Krusteaz gluten free brownie mix...)
Sometimes, it takes stepping out of your comfort zone to make a difference and change a perspective.
Give yourself a fist bump or high-five when that happens. Bringing food to share is such a great way to educate people.
How do you educate others?
xoxo,
Jade
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