In the central part of Athens, Greece, a McDonald’s offers food options that conform to the dietary rules observed by Orthodox Christians during Lent. Other restaurant chains around the world also accommodate faith-based dining preferences. And in the United States, Interfaith Worker Justice – a non-profit organization – urges its followers to adopt a Lenten practice by “fasting from fast food” to protest against the low wages offered by fast food restaurants.
An interesting piece from The Economist’s Erasmus blog, which explores the intersections of public policy and faith: “Not by bread alone.”
Of the various religious and cultural questions that businesses and other employers have to cope with, whether in managing their own staff or tailoring their products and services, dietary taboos based on faith, especially seasonal taboos, are among the commonest and most sensitive. For a private-sector provider of food, the market serves as an important guide; if there is demand for food of a certain kind, and nobody else is offended, it makes sense to adjust the product range accordingly.