Consider buying to transport food…
Target sells a cooler back-pack (gray/blue) with a big insulated main compartment
and lots of small outer pockets for other items. Cost is about $25, but you’ll
use it often.
Target also sells great thermal food containers that keep food hot for 4-6 hours.
They cost about $12 but are worth it!
You might want to take with you…
Individual packets of GFCF salad dressing (Gluten-Free Source; or order by the
case from Healthy Grocer; brand name “Annie’s”)
Individual packets of GF soy sauce/tamari (Gluten-Free Source)
Individual packets of ketchup (the ones from McDonald’s and Burger King
are great)
Convenience foods (heat and eat; add boiling water; etc.) that are GFCF and
MSG free. There are many Thai options that fit this. NOTE: We carry at least
one of these, a bag of chips, a two-pack of Enjoy Life cookies, juice box, etc.
in an “emergency food bag” in our car at all times so we’re
ready for an extended play date, park stop, trip to the emergency room (yep!),
or anything else that keeps us away longer than expected.
A prescription from your doctor that specifies a special diet. Can come in handy
if anyone gives you a rough time about bringing your own food and also helps
you take a cooler as a carry-on on an airplane. (Though in some cases you can
do both without the script.)
Places you might want to eat…
See Eating Out GFCF for ideas!
Chinese restaurants are good – Order steamed veggies and white rice and
top with the soy sauce you brought.
Things you might want to do in advance…
Call ahead! If you’re visiting an amusement park or similar place, contact
them in advance about food options, permission to carry in your own, etc. At
last try, the contact for Hershey Park was Jerri Clark (jclark@hersheypa.com)
and for Giant Center was Robert Gordon (rgordon@hersheypa.com).
Find a store near your destination or on the way – check the websites
for Trader Joes or Whole Foods for locations.
Place an order from www.allergygrocer.com and have it delivered to your destination
the day after you arrive.
Other tips…
Try Disney! They are very allergy-friendly.
Camp! You’ll have complete control over your menus. Just be sure to prep
all the food in advance so it’s still a “vacation” for the
cook as well.
For your on-the-road days, plan at least one meal to be a picnic for everyone.
Better yet, plan it to be eaten in the car (let each person eat out of their
own gallon-size ziplock bag to minimize crumbs) and use your “lunch”
time to run and play!