Are you getting ready for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day meals? We have tasty food allergy tips to stay safe and enjoy the celebrations: Always read labels - While it’s always important to read labels, ensure you are reading labels for activity boxes. Plan ahead - let the hosts know about the food allergies present. This can be an excellent opportunity to educate family members about food allergies. As there is often great misunderstanding about food allergies, it is important to let loved ones know that food allergies are serious and can even be life-threatening in small quantities ..read more

As the holiday season approaches and schools gear up for Christmas celebrations, it’s important to address the concerns of students with food allergies. Christmas festivities often involve sharing and enjoying various treats, but for those with allergies, navigating the sea of seasonal goodies can be challenging.  Raising Awareness Inclusive Celebrations Clear Communication Designated Safe Zones Emergency Preparedness Food allergies affect millions of children around the world, and the school environment can be particularly challenging. During Christmas celebrations, the preva ..read more

Food allergies affect millions of children worldwide, and the school setting is no exception. Thanksgiving parties often involve an array of dishes, many of which may contain common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. To make these events enjoyable for everyone, it’s essential to raise awareness about food allergies and implement safety measures that foster inclusivity. Tips For Celebrating Thanksgiving At School Kids With Food Allergies offers tips for celebrating Thanksgiving at school. Here are some tips for ensuring that it is safe and fun for everyone. It is important to work ..read more

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters. It was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET).  Learn more at FARE’s website. foodallergy.org Halloween doesn’t have to be a time of anxiety for those with food a ..read more

School field trips are a cherished part of the educational experience, offering students a chance to explore the world outside the classroom walls. However, for families dealing with food allergies, field trips can also bring about unique challenges and concerns.   We offer the following tips to help make your trip a success: Make sure school field trip forms indicate your child has a food allergy Teachers, aides and chaperones need to know where your child’s epinephrine auto-injector is located Review your food allergy action plan to confirm it is up-to-date and includes informati ..read more

Navigating Back to School with Food Allergies The excitement of going back to school is a feeling shared by many students and parents alike. However, for families dealing with food allergies, this time of year can also bring about unique challenges and concerns. With proper planning, open communication, and education, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable school experience for your child with food allergies. 1. Understanding Food Allergies Before delving into the specifics of going back to school, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of food allergies. Food allergies occur when the immu ..read more

Are you celebrating Independence Day this weekend and next week? Check out these food allergy tips from AAFA to keep in mind for Fourth Of July BBQ events: Provide labels or markers to write names on cups to prevent mix-ups. Ask your guests ahead of time how you can best help them have a safe and enjoyable time. If there will be allergens present, be sure to clearly label those dishes. Clean your grill thoroughly and provide foil to wrap food to help prevent cross contact. Barbeque sauce is a typical unexpected source of many allergens. If you are cooking for a guest with food allergies, you c ..read more

Fun and prizes are waiting for you in Flower Mound, Texas on October 27 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy lots of food allergy friendly prizes and treats. Don’t miss games, lights, decorations character inflatables, Choo-Choo Express and more! Click here to join and share the event. The post FOOD ALLERGY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN TREATS & FUN appeared first on Food Allergy Institute of North Texas ..read more

I often find that the terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are used interchangeably. But really……. they are not the same thing. Food Allergies  A true food allergy results when one’s immune system overreacts to an ordinarily harmless food. This is caused by an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).  After production, IgE binds to allergy cells and waits to be activated by this offending food. Once these cells are stimulated, many chemicals and mediators are released (ex. Histamine) This sequence of events leads to an allergic reaction. What causes food intolerance? A food int ..read more

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