June welcomes a major event for the diary of any foodie: London Food Month. From the 1st to the 30th, a celebration of all things edible is being hosted by the London Evening Standard, showcasing over 400 events across the capital.
The month aspires to promote experience; to offer a wide range of events that allow everyone to get involved and celebrate the unique nature that is the art of cookery and the love of food. Events such as the Night Market really demonstrate the culture and diversity that the month.
For a detailed guide as to what’s on, click here. The event isn’t just about celebration, it’s about education; important ethical considerations that affect the industry, such as food waste, are explored too. Massimo Bottura, founder of Food for Soul, will be focusing on how we can tackle food waste and hunger through the launch of the community project Refettorio Felix.There are also great charity events, such as ‘The Surplus Food Club’, who will be joined by Foodcycle to provide a three course supper for 54 guests, with a menu created mostly from surplus food sourced from a range of providers. Funds raised will support the two charities providing meals and nutrition support for
vulnerable communities in London.Everything looks great.We are a huge fan of anything that celebrates food and believe this event is going to do great things for many people. But scrolling through this superb array of exhibitions and five star names in the food industry, revelling in the variety and vivaciousness of the culinary world, we found one massive and highly important gap:A lack of events tailored exclusively the 20% of the population who suffer from a food allergy or intolerance, not to mention those on special diets.There are a couple of brilliant food vendors offering alternative meal options in the Night Market- SpiceBox (7-18th June) offers ‘Plant-powered Indian food, and Yorica! (7-18th June) who offer vegan and free-from ice cream and fro-yo to ‘indulge your senses’. But other than that the options are limited.If you are affected with an allergy you may find yourself asking:Can I access a menu for this? What about cross contamination? Do these staff members know what’s really in this dish? Is this free sample really what it says it is?We believe that these questions should be answered- we want to educate as well as celebrate.So, as part of this blog, we are calling out to those getting involved in The London Food Month to take a photo of yourself with any food vendor, restaurant, chef or event where great care has been taken to ensure diners with allergies, intolerances and special diets are kept safe.We are also calling out to any businesses involved with The London Food Month who can happily cater for those with allergies or other dietary requirements.Let us know and we can share the good news!Tweet and Instagram your photos to @Kafoodle @Londonfoodmonth with #eatwithconfidenceIf you would like any further information about Kafoodle, or how we can help you promote and manage your menu then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Annie.gladwell@kafoodle.com