Due to the structure of our programs, we have limitations on the types of diets that we can safely support. Our Volunteers are placed with and fed by host families who generally do not receive any form of compensation. Food provided is therefore the typical regional diet and often the only food the family can afford to provide or has access to. Refusal of any food is generally viewed by host families and community members as disrespect. AMIGOS understands that this issue can often be a sensitive area of cultural differences and it poses a challenge for some of our participants. For example, vegetarianism and veganism are entirely foreign concepts in most of our work areas. Access to meat and animal-based products in many project areas is reserved to special occasions or for those who are more affluent. In other project areas, a high percentage of the diet consists of meat and animal-based products. Anyone not eating food provided is liable to have nutrient and calorie deficiency issues. For these reasons, we ask all participants to be flexible in their dietary practices during the weeks they are living in a cultural immersion experience with host families.

All participants with food restrictions are required to know how to describe in Spanish their food restriction in a respectful and culturally appropriate way.

Vegetarianism

AMIGOS is able to accommodate vegetarians in certain project areas only. Please check the project area descriptions carefully for dietary accommodations and restrictions. We do not make exceptions to these accommodations as we are not willing to place this burden on host families.

Veganism

Due to the structure of our programs, strict veganism is difficult for us to guarantee in any of our project areas and this is not a burden we want to place on host families. AMIGOS cannot support a vegan diet.

Religious Dietary Restrictions

AMIGOS cannot accommodate elaborate dietary restrictions due to our program structure. Certain minimal food item restrictions can be accommodated. Please refer to the project area descriptions for the best project choices based on your individual dietary needs.

Other dietary restrictions

Allergies and certain other dietary restrictions may be accommodated in certain projects only, depending on individual needs and requirements. Please make sure all allergies and medical health conditions related to diet are disclosed on the Confidential Health Forms.