I don’t know where to start, as I am still in disbelief of the stance you have taken on guests with food allergies. Do you know how many people you have now alienated, or was that your goal? Let’s sort out some quick facts:
- 1 in 133 people in the US have Celiac Disease that requires them to follow a gluten-free diet.
- Many more people have a gluten sensitivity.
- It is estimated that 7.8 million people in the US have food allergies.
I am really happy for you that you don’t have to worry about the food that you put in your mouth, but many of us do. Does that mean that we should be excluded from dinner parties or other functions? The most important thing I have learned since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease is that while I do have to follow a gluten-free diet, social situations aren’t always about the food. Attending a dinner party, wedding, baby shower or even a work conference usually means that some kind of food will be served and eating will most likely be complicated (especially if the hosts are anything like you). I have learned to shift my focus from the food to the people. I focus on catching up with friends and family; I aim to try to learn something new about each person I speak with. Work functions that include food are spent networking or getting to know co-workers.
What do you have against those of us who can’t eat like you do? Is it because preparing our food is more complicated? I used to look forward to reading your magazine and support the sale of your products, but no longer. Additionally, I have a feeling that I am not the only one who feels this way.
Sincerely,
A former fan, supporter, reader
Edited to add the link to the NY Post article where Stewart shares more info. She does mention whipping up an egg dish for gluten-free or vegetarians, but then goes on to say that “Everybody can skip a meal”.
