Starting a summer internship is exciting. It’s a chance to build your résumé, make connections, and experience what professional life might look like after graduation. But if you’re navigating a food allergy, there’s an extra layer to consider, one that most of your peers might not even think about. From catered meetings to shared office snacks, the workplace introduces new environments and unknowns that can pose real risks for someone with a food allergy.
The good news? You don’t need to choose between being safe and being professional. Learning how to advocate for yourself is not just about allergies. It’s a lifelong skill that helps you show up confidently and take ownership of your needs.
Being your own advocate starts with preparation
Before your first day, take time to assess what specific situations might present a risk. Will you be in an office every day, hybrid, or remote? Will there be shared spaces like a break room or catered team lunches? Even small details like whether your team keeps communal coffee creamer or snacks in the kitchen matter.
Reach out to your HR contact or manager ahead of time if possible. A quick message explaining that you manage a food allergy and may need to bring your own meals or request information about catered food is professional, proactive, and often appreciated. This request isn’t a complaint; it’s a safety consideration. Framing it as something that helps you do your best work sets the tone for a respectful, open conversation.
Bring your needs into the workplace, not just your résumé
Many young professionals worry that disclosing an allergy will make them seem high-maintenance or difficult. But in reality, being upfront about your needs shows maturity and self-awareness. It signals that you understand your health and how to manage it responsibly, qualities that most teams will respect.
You don’t need to overexplain. A simple sentence like, “I have a severe nut allergy so I avoid all shared food and usually bring my own meals,” is enough. If you need more specific support, like a fridge space for your lunch or warning about team events involving allergens, don’t be afraid to ask. Requesting a basic allergy accommodation or a heads-up before food-centered meetings is reasonable and often easy to implement.
Create your own allergy-safe work environment
Whether it’s wiping down shared surfaces, bringing your own utensils, or keeping a stash of safe snacks at your desk, having a routine you trust can help reduce stress throughout the day. In some settings, you might need to educate your coworkers, especially if they’ve never worked closely with someone managing food allergies in the workplace.
If your team regularly shares food or snacks, consider suggesting simple alternatives that are safer for everyone. You might even offer to help plan an allergy-aware team lunch. These are small ways to normalize safety without singling yourself out. You don’t have to become the “allergy spokesperson,” but showing that safety can be inclusive and thoughtful helps create a more supportive space for everyone.
How to support coworkers with food allergies
Even if you don’t have allergies yourself, your awareness can make a real difference in how safe and included your coworkers feel. Simple things like checking ingredient labels before bringing food to share, avoiding peanuts or other high-risk allergens in tight spaces, and washing your hands after meals can help reduce cross-contact risks.
If someone discloses a food allergy, don’t question it or make jokes. Take it seriously. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help make shared spaces feel safer. Creating a more allergy-aware workplace isn’t just about policy. It’s about culture. And that starts with people who are willing to be mindful of the needs around them, even if those needs aren’t their own.
Confidence is part of professionalism
Learning how to speak up for your needs is a form of leadership. And in most professional environments, clear communication is seen as a strength. You’re not being difficult when you ask about ingredients or turn down an unsafe meal, you’re being responsible. That’s something to be proud of.
Your health is never something you have to justify. Building your voice now will help you navigate every space you step into, from the intern room to the boardroom, with clarity, confidence, and care.
