Hi Tigger,
I am an old pro at bringing food with me WHEREVER I go.
I have a collection of various size coolers, some hard some soft. In 'tricky' circumstances I rely on my smaller sized soft shell zippered ones that fit into a large purse. If they are checking bags at the entrance, I make sure I am wearing clothing that at least has some pockets, and then i have hardboiled eggs, ziplock bags with nuts, one with celery/cucumber. A small cooler will hold a packet of cooked chicken thighs(very handy and very satiating). I cook them in a broth of ginger and soy and they are delicious cold. A small ziplock of fresh baby spinach is quite flat and will last. Always bring a jacket, even in warmest weather, to such events, just for the extra pockets. Of course if you can go out to your car now and then during a long event, you can have a large cooler containing items to 're-stock' the pockets or take a break and eat them outside. Most events will allow you to leave and come back. This way you can have yogurt/cut up fruit and your favorite other things. (Thermos of favorite tea from home). I make it a point to never get 'caught' in a situation where i must make a choice to eat subpar and compromise my own health. I know it's crucial for me to eat well and if i can help it, i won't subject myself to ****. If i'm in a pinch i do my best to wait till i get home but if that's not possible, i run into a whole foods and pick something good from their deli.....or i have run into the local grocery store, and grabbed a tuna in the foil pack and a couple of mustards from the deli counter, a fork, and that definitely holds me off til i get home. The tuna would definitely not work in a situation where you are needing to be discreet--because of the strong smell, but otherwise it is a great snack. Wasa crackers and nut butter can also be 'stowed away' in a pocket and are great. Hope these ideas help
. Admittedly, all of this takes a some extra effort.....but I'm so used to it now.....and actually have fun being creative!
