You can select one approach or multiple approaches to meals throughout the team’s visit

Take advantage of the relationship building aspect of meals at least a couple times while the team is there to deepen connections with you/local team/locals/etc.

Consider what is mutually beneficial for you, the team, and the community

Teach team members culturally relevant information about meal times, as well as local etiquette

Consider the benefit of one or more meals to be used for teaching, learning, celebrating, building relationships, etc. 

Consider available accommodations for team members with allergies

Avoid local water, if appropriate

The Short-Term Teams Dept. requests dietary allergies and food preferences from team members in advance of their arrival

We specify that allergies are those foods that have medical implications for a team member

We also advise that preferences may not be honored and flexibility is a must

If appropriate, advise cooks of team member allergies

It is appropriate to ask team members with difficult requests to bring their own food for occasions which cannot be accommodated

Balance “new” foods with “normal” choices. New foods and varied portion sizes can be difficult to adjust to, but are also great opportunities to take in the local culture and be flexible

Anyone preparing a meal for the team should be taking the proper hygiene measures (ie: wash hands frequently, hair nets, washing of all fruits/vegetables and cooking to adequate temperature)

Educate team members on appropriate dining out precautions for your context

Teach team members which water or sanitizing agent to use in order to clean their food

Be sure the restaurant is able to accommodate a team of your size

Ensure the restaurant will be open on the day/time you hope to visit

Consider restaurants of locals you know or are building a relationship with

Restaurants should be safe in terms of location and food preparation practices

• For example: If you visit a local restaurant that you and your community team have historically experienced illness after eating, select another option

Let team members know their per person budget before they order

Familiarize yourself with the restaurant menu to make ordering food easier, if applicable

• If time is short, select three menu options in advance (within budget as well) for team members to choose from, rather than allowing them to select from the whole menu. This makes meal time more efficient 

  • For example: You select a restaurant with options of chicken, beef and vegetarian. Their drink options are Coke products and bottled water. Prior to arriving at/on the way to the restaurant you survey team members to determine their choices. This makes ordering a smooth/simple process 

• If you are in an extreme time crunch, order the meal in advance so it is already waiting for pick up or do a take-out option so the team can eat on their way to the next destination

Be sure the team also has slower-paced meal times as well so they can have times to rejuvenate