Food inclusivity

With the mission to become one of the most accessible states in the U.S., there’s always something new coming from Mesa, Arizona. In this article, Alison Brooks shares about the latest initiatives that are changing the approach to inclusion in travel.

Food as the Overlooked Barrier in Accessible Travel

Food safety is often overlooked in conversations about accessibility, but it should not be. Food allergies affect an estimated 32 million Americans, including millions of children. Even if it is not something you personally experience, it is highly likely that someone you are traveling with does.

When you think about accessibility holistically, it is not just about physical infrastructure or sensory considerations. It is about whether someone can fully participate in the experience. If a visitor does not feel safe eating in your destination, that limits their ability to engage, explore, and enjoy their stay.

This is why food inclusivity matters. It is fundamental, not optional.

Introducing the Food Inclusivity Program

Visit Mesa’s food inclusivity program is a natural evolution of the work we’ve already been leading in accessibility. 

As the first Autism Certified City in the country and the first destination verified by Wheel the World, we’ve spent years building a foundation that prioritizes inclusion across the full visitor experience. That includes initiatives like Aira for blind and low-vision individuals and adoption of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across the city.

As we evaluated the full travel journey, one gap became very clear: food. No matter who you are or how you travel, everyone has to eat. For visitors with food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, that part of the experience can create anxiety and uncertainty, often limiting where they feel comfortable going.

Our food inclusivity program was designed to address that gap directly. At its core, it focuses on education, preparedness, and awareness across the hospitality community. In partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, we are providing free, on-demand food allergen certification training for anyone who comes into contact with food, whether at a hotel, restaurant, or attraction. The goal is to ensure staff understand common allergens and, just as importantly, know how to respond in the event of an emergency.

This initiative is about creating an environment where visitors can feel more confident and supported, knowing that the destination has taken intentional steps to prioritize their safety and comfort.

If You Build It…

Building it is not enough. In order to draw visitors, guests need to know that the measures in place are real, ongoing, and widely adopted across the destination. Building trust starts with consistency and transparency.

For us, that means continuing to actively communicate this initiative, both through our marketing efforts and through direct engagement with our partners. It is not a one-time effort. We are regularly reconnecting with businesses to reinforce the importance of food safety, refresh training, and encourage best practices.

Simple but meaningful steps, such as clearly labeling food at buffets, adding allergen and dietary information to menus, and making that information easily accessible on websites.

That includes simple but meaningful steps, such as clearly labeling food at buffets, adding allergen and dietary information to menus, and making that information easily accessible on websites. These actions help visitors make informed decisions before they even arrive.

Equally important is the partnership itself. This only works if our hospitality community is engaged and committed. Over time, that consistency helps build confidence.

It is also important to acknowledge that no system is ever perfect. However, as we move into the next phase of the program, adding tools like EpiPens on-site provides an additional layer of reassurance that safety has been thoughtfully considered.

Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery

Our hope is that this initiative does not remain unique to Mesa. It should be adopted, adapted, and improved by destinations everywhere. Creating safer, more inclusive environments benefits not just visitors, but entire communities.

The initiative is structured in phases to allow for both immediate impact and long-term growth.

Phase one, which is currently underway, focuses on education. Through our partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, we are offering free, on-demand allergen awareness and safety certification to our hospitality partners. This ensures a consistent baseline of knowledge across the destination.

Phase two expands into preparedness. Working with the Mesa for All Foundation, a community-led nonprofit that grew out of Visit Mesa’s accessibility efforts, we plan to help equip participating establishments with EpiPens. This adds a critical layer of safety and responsiveness in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Phase three broadens the scope of inclusivity beyond allergens. This includes integrating training around food sensitivities, cultural and religious dietary considerations, and overall awareness that supports a wider range of visitor needs.

For destinations looking to follow a similar path, the starting point is partnership. The Kyah Rayne Foundation operates nationally and provides a strong framework for training and certification. Engaging a partner like that, and then aligning your local hospitality community around a shared goal, is the most effective way to begin building momentum.

For destinations looking to follow a similar path, the starting point is partnership.

Up Next for Mesa

We recently hosted Dani from Love on the Spectrum, which was an exciting opportunity to have someone with a large and engaged audience experience Mesa and share our accessibility efforts with their followers. Moments like that help amplify the work in a very authentic way.

We also signed a four-year agreement to host the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championships at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. This is a significant opportunity to collaborate with partners like Wheel the World and others to ensure the experience is seamless from the moment athletes begin planning their trip to the time they are on the court competing. It is about removing friction at every stage and creating an environment where people feel welcomed and supported.

At the same time, the work does not stop with new initiatives or major events. A key focus moving forward is continuing to refine what we have built and making sure people are aware of it. That includes not only visitors, but also the residents and businesses who bring these experiences to life. One cannot succeed without the other.