#USA #Mesa #Kyah Rayne Foundation #Food Allergy Certification

Visit Mesa's Partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation

In an exciting development for food inclusivity, Visit Mesa has announced a partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, aiming to enhance the accessibility of dining options for individuals with food allergies. This collaboration seeks to ensure that Mesa, Arizona, remains one of the most welcoming travel destinations in the country.

Focus on Accessibility

The primary goal of this initiative is to train local hospitality employees on how to safely accommodate guests with food allergies. The Kyah Rayne Foundation is dedicated to educating businesses about the critical importance of food safety and inclusion in their establishments. By achieving certification, businesses can help foster a safer and more inclusive environment for diners.

“As part of our ongoing mission, this partnership aligns with our vision to make Mesa a top-tier accessible city,” said Alison Brooks, the Vice President of Marketing and Destination Experience at Visit Mesa. With the increased awareness and training, both visitors and residents can be assured that Mesa's restaurants and hotels are well-equipped to handle dietary sensitivities.

Background of the Kyah Rayne Foundation

Founded in 2019 by Lisa Cohen, the Kyah Rayne Foundation was established in memory of her daughter, Kyah, who tragically passed away due to anaphylactic shock from a food allergy. The foundation operates with a relentless commitment to advancing food allergy awareness and providing training that can save lives. Lisa expressed pride in partnering with Visit Mesa, stating, “Together, we are creating safer dining experiences for everyone.”

Certification Program Details

The certification program requires at least 80% of eligible staff from participating businesses to successfully finish the foundation's core online training program. This includes those in direct contact with guests, such as servers, kitchen staff, and event personnel. To date, two local hotels, Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa and DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, along with a restaurant named Intentional Foods, have earned their certification. This accomplishment marks the beginning of a larger movement to engage more businesses in the certification process.

Broader Inclusivity Initiatives

Visit Mesa has also been implementing various other programs to ensure the local community is inclusive. These initiatives include Aira, a visual interpretation service, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Notably, Mesa has earned recognition as the world's first Autism-Certified City, reflecting its dedication to promoting inclusivity for all individuals.

As the partnership progresses, Visit Mesa asserts its commitment to making the city a welcoming destination for everyone. With proactive measures and dedicated training programs, the collaboration with the Kyah Rayne Foundation emphasizes the importance of safety and inclusivity, ensuring that food allergies are taken into account in dining experiences.

For more information about this food inclusion initiative and to stay updated as more businesses join in, interested parties can visit Visit Mesa or the Kyah Rayne Foundation. Both organizations are working together to pave the way for safer spaces and better awareness regarding food allergies.

By fostering these collaborations and enhancing training initiatives, Mesa aims not just to accommodate but to embrace everyone, creating a travel experience that is as safe as it is enjoyable.