If you’re card carrying member of the food allergy club, chances are you’ve had this conversation at the ball field:

Concession Mom: How can I help you?
Me: Hi, there! We have allergies, and I have a few questions. Do you use peanut oil in your fryers?
CM: ummmm….I have no idea. Let me check ……uh nope.
Me: great! Do you share the fryer with any of your other breaded foods? We’re allergic to gluten.
CM: We’re not supposed to, but it’s been really busy tonight, so yes, I think we did a few chicken fingers in the fry fryer. Is that going to be a problem?
Me: Yes, sorry.
CM: oh. Is there anything else you want? Onion rings?
Me: No we’re allergic to onions, too.
CM: Pizza?
Me: Allergic
CM: Candy?
Me: Allergic.
CM: Is there anything you’re not allergic to?
Me: Not really, no.
CM: Well…. we sell water….

This summer find creative ways to provide your own Concession Stand Food, without the danger:

1) TAILGATE

Get Permission to Brown Bag/Tailgate:
Many ball field frown upon you bringing snacks or lighting up a grill on ball field property, so be sure to contact the organizers before the game starts to explain that you have severe allergies. I have never been told no, after explaining our situation. Sometimes it’s impossible to know who to ask, so try to find and talk to the concession stand organizer, or field raker.

  • SUPER TIP: Try to be at least 20 minutes early to speak with someone, instead of waiting for the crowds and stress to build to ask who is the person in charge.

Pack Your Favorite Foods:
Start with obvious choices: potato chips, fruits (whole melons travel well), veggies, or buy some splurge items (like gf pretzels or sandwich cookies). Add safe protein sources, like chicken breast or bean salad, to round things out.

  • SUPER TIP: Freeze juice boxes to provide ‘slushies’ and keep perishables cool!

Tailgate Level: Sandwich spreads, lunch meat, precooked bacon, hummus, allergy free buns or crackers, pre-baked potatoes, or gf pasta salads. Burgers, hotdogs, salads, beans and rice.

  • SUPER TIP: Cleaning wipes, cutting mats, knives, grills, coolers etc. will make your job much, much easier.

2) Make Concession Food at Home

Ball field food is full of novelty. Choose a few foods you’re craving and make safe homemade hacks. The kids will forward to going home to planned ‘park food’ too.

A few ideas we love:

  • Walking Tacos: chips with taco meat and toppings in single serve bags
  • Firehouse fries: fries topped with ranch dressing, cheese, and bacon
  • Homemade Slush Puppies – 2 c water, 2 c ice, 1/2 c sugar, and 1 tbsp Fruit Fresh powder, plus 1 tsp flavoring of choice or a few drops candy oil

Do you have any tips you’d like to add? Please share with us, and we’ll be happy to pass them on to your fellow readers!