BBYO’s food policy is based on the organization’s commitment to meeting the wellness and religious practice needs of its members. This policy includes special consideration of community norms related to religious practice and ensuring that all participants feel included.  

Core Principle: Whenever possible, scheduled meals and snacks at BBYO events will have a variety of food options that meet the dietary and religious practices of its participants. 

At BBYO sponsored institutional events such as conventions, summer programs, and travel programs, BBYO will: 

• Communicate meal options in advance of each program, including details about how dietary needs (allergies, gluten-free, kashrut, etc.) and preferences (vegetarian, vegan) will be accommodated.
• Offer glatt kosher¹ or kosher-style² dining whenever possible (with availability and cost being key determining factors).
• Provide meal options that include food that is certified glatt kosher by the OU or a similar standard, kosher-style dining, vegetarian and/or vegan foods, and foods that can be consumed by those with dietary restrictions or allergies if indicated prior to the event. In certain, unique cases the participant may need to provide their own food. 
• Ensure that when meat is served it is sourced as glatt kosher, while noting that it may be prepared in a non-kosher kitchen.
• Adhere to venue-related food policies (e.g. If dining in a synagogue that requires only kosher food to be served). 

For dining in public spaces during BBYO programs, including when BBYO provides a dining voucher or stipend, BBYO will:  

• Allow participants to make their own food choices.
• Make every effort to ensure dietary specific meals including glatt kosher options are available. If options are not available, it will be communicated in advance. 

At teen-led events, including chapter programs, meetings, or general social gatherings, program leaders will: 

• Communicate in advance about the food that will be available.
• Be as inclusive as possible by offering food options that meet the needs of teens with dietary restrictions related to their wellness or religious practices. If those options cannot be made available, participants with dietary restrictions will be encouraged to bring their own food.
• Respect the norms of the venue and/or community in which the event is taking place. 

SUMMER-SPECIFIC INFORMATION 

BBYO Passport Travel Experiences: Food and Dietary Policy 

Our trips are designed to be inclusive and meaningful for Jewish teens from all backgrounds. All meals provided on Israel programs are glatt kosher, and all meals provided on Europe and Americas programs are kosher style. When dining as a group, often meals will be vegetarian or buffet-style. Buffet options may include meat that is not certified kosher, and teens may choose what they'd like to eat from what's offered. Shabbat meals are hosted at kosher facilities when they are available.  

BBYO Passport experiences include “pizur” meals where participants can use a cash allowance to buy their own food. Kosher meals during pizur time are subject to what is available locally and to the teens’ personal choice. Teens with special dietary situations must make sure their restrictions are reflected in their medical forms. Teens with special dietary situations should bring snacks from home in the event they are having a difficult time adjusting to a new cultural cuisine. 

BBYO Summer Leadership Experiences: Food and Dietary Policy 

• Commonpoint Retreat Center (CLTC): All food served at the Commonpoint Retreat Center where CLTC is held is kosher-style and all meat is certified kosher.
• Perlman Camp (ILTC and International Kallah): Perlman Camp utilizes certified kosher ingredients and prepares in accordance with kosher practices. There is no ongoing rabbinical supervision in the kitchen. 

For specific questions regarding food or dietary concerns, please contact your local BBYO staff member. A complete list of BBYO regions and staff may be found on the BBYO Near You page of our website.  

1 Glatt kosher is the term BBYO uses to describe the kashrut standard as defined by the Orthodox Union (OU). 
The OU is the largest kosher certifying agency in the world and reflects most kashrut standards across the 
globe. Many of their policies are outlined here.

2 Kosher-style dining will not contain any pork or shellfish ingredients or have any combination of milk and 
meat. Food will include glatt kosher meat from a kosher species (beef, chicken, or fish), but other ingredients 
may not be kosher. Food preparation may not be supervised by a kosher authority and utensils may not be 
considered kosher.

July 2026