When it comes to workplace functions and events, catering is often one of the most important elements to organise. In an increasingly religiously diverse society, it's likely that your workplace has people who identify with a variety of religious or spiritual traditions.
Workplaces can foster a more inclusive environment through careful and attentive planning of functions that cater to dietary requirements. In this article, we give you some of the basics you need to know about religious diets and common dietary preferences, and explain how the time and date of your event also matter.
The influence of religious beliefs on dietary choice
Different religious traditions have diverse practices and customs around preparing, serving and consuming food and drinks. Multiple factors influence dietary choices — personal preferences, community expectations, religious obligations, and ethical considerations.
In many Buddhist traditions, there are no strict prescribed dietary requirements. However, vegetarian diets are often encouraged. There are also times throughout the year when many Buddhists will temporarily follow a vegetarian diet. The avoidance of meat is usually based on the belief that it can be inferred from Buddhist teachings and ethical principles.
In Hinduism, there are similarly no strict prescribed requirements, though certain ethical principles and cultural expectations inform dietary choices. Many Hindus tend to avoid certain types of meat, especially beef. Others may strictly avoid all meat. Dairy is often highly encouraged, meaning many follow a lacto-vegetarian diet.
Does the way food is prepared matter?
In some religious traditions, food preparation is an important aspect of determining what someone eats and how they source their food. Two traditions where preparation is particularly important are Judaism and Islam.
Kosher (Judaism)
In Jewish thought, there is a general distinction between kosher ('appropriate') foods and terefah ('forbidden') foods. Some foods are inherently kosher, such as sheep or goats. Others are inherently forbidden, such as pigs.
In some cases, animals must be slaughtered and prepared following a prescribed method in order to be kosher. One of the main preparatory requirements is the strict separation of all dairy from meat products — some people will avoid meals containing both, and may wait several hours after eating meat before consuming dairy.
Halal (Islam)
Islam holds a similar general distinction between foods that are halal ('allowed') and haram ('forbidden'). All foods and drinks are halal except for specific instances where the item is classified as forbidden. Examples of forbidden foods include:
- Meats that have not been slaughtered in the prescribed manner
- Blood and blood-based products
- Pork and pig-related products
- Alcohol and foods containing traces of alcohol
It is important to note that kosher and halal are styles of cooking, not cuisine types. Chinese dishes can be kosher or halal if prepared in the appropriate manner. Equally, Middle Eastern cuisine may not be kosher or halal if not prepared accordingly.
What are some religious views on alcohol?
There are a variety of views on alcohol consumption across the world's religions. In some traditions, alcohol is used for ritual purposes — red wine is used by many Christian traditions during the Eucharist, and wine may be used in Judaism during certain rituals or festivals.
Views on consumption outside ritual contexts vary widely. Some Protestant churches accept moderate alcohol consumption, while others encourage abstaining entirely. In some religions, alcohol is discouraged or avoided because of its psychotropic effects — including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
Ultimately, there is no universal rule when it comes to religion and alcohol. It is important to take these beliefs into consideration when planning a function. Having alcohol as the centrepiece of an event can potentially exclude those who choose not to drink. Ensure there are multiple non-alcoholic options available and clearly advertised, and consider having separate areas for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Does the time of year affect the way religious people eat?
Religious dietary practices can also be influenced by the time of year. The most common practice is fasting.
The Islamic month of Ramadan is dedicated as a time for Muslims who are physically and mentally fit to observe a month-long fast. Over this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink during the hours between dawn and dusk. The fast is usually broken at sunset with a meal shared with family, friends, or the local community.
In Christianity, some Christians choose to fast during some or all of the forty days leading up to Easter, known as Lent. Those who fast typically avoid meat, dairy products and eggs. Some Christians may also fast at different times of the year as a personal spiritual practice.
It's therefore important to consider the time of day and year when scheduling a catered event. Failing to do so means that some people may unintentionally be excluded from eating at functions — which can be an alienating experience for both staff and visitors.