> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://devdocs.xbox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Playbook for Accessible Gaming Events (PAGE) 104 · Catering

> Serve accessible food and beverages at gaming events using PAGE 104 tips on dietary needs, allergen safety, menus, utensils, and buffet line layout.

Whether you're offering self-serve drinks or a seven-course meal, accessible food and beverages let everyone enjoy the meal and the socialization that comes with it.

## Scoping questions

This guideline applies if you answer **yes** to either:

* Aside from water fountains, will any beverages be available?
* Will any food be available?

## Implementation guidelines

### Food

**Dietary restrictions and requirements**

* Ask for dietary needs at registration and ensure suitable options are available.
* Review every dietary request with catering as early as possible. Provide multiple options and eliminate cross-contamination between foods.
* For pre-packaged or pre-ordered meals (steak vs. fish, for example), keep a few extras of any specialty meal in case of accidents.
* For severe allergies, keep foods physically separated.

**Menus**

* Provide a menu at the start of a buffet line so guests know what's available.
* Menus and food labels: large, high-contrast (7:1) text on non-glare surfaces.

**Utensils**

* Offer a variety of utensils — spoons for loose nuts or trail mix, forks and knives for sandwiches — even when a food doesn't typically call for it.
* Where chopsticks are the primary utensil, provide forks as well.
* For severe allergies, use dedicated serving utensils for each food.

### Beverages

**Straws**

* Provide plastic straws (bendable-top ones are most accessible). Eco-conscious events can offer a choice, including biodegradable options.

**Openers**

* Provide soda-can tab openers if serving cans.
* Provide both mounted and loose bottle openers. Large, easy-to-grasp openers are best.
* Where possible, have a staff member available to open beverages, place straws, and set drinks on wheelchair tables.

### Layout

**Grouping and consistency**

* For multi-day events, keep food laid out in the same place and order each day.
* Group items sensibly — sodas by flavor, main courses together.

**Self-service**

* Tables must be reachable by wheelchair — no higher than 36 inches, able to roll up to and under.
* Food and beverages placed no higher than 48 inches from the ground.
* No more than 20 inches of reach required.
* If alcohol is served, non-alcoholic options should be available too.

## Resources and tools

| Type    | Resource                                                                                                     |
| ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Article | [Food Service: Accommodating Diners with Disabilities — adata.org](https://adata.org/factsheet/food-service) |


## Related topics

- [Playbook for Accessible Gaming Events (PAGE) 110 · Staff](/build/game-principles/accessibility/page/page-110-staff.md)
- [Playbook for Accessible Gaming Events (PAGE) 102 · Venues](/build/game-principles/accessibility/page/page-102-venues.md)
- [PAGE 111 · Accessible transportation for gaming events](/build/game-principles/accessibility/page/page-111-transportation.md)
- [PAGE 109 · Accessible SWAG and merch for gaming events](/build/game-principles/accessibility/page/page-109-swag-and-merch.md)
- [PAGE 103 · Accessible social media for gaming events](/build/game-principles/accessibility/page/page-103-social-media.md)