Study on Emotional Impact of Food Allergy

Over the summer I participated in this joint survey offered by Galaxy Foods and FAAN. The results have been published and I have a few comments:

• I'm thrilled to see that more than 50% of the parents surveyed believe their child's teachers and administrators have an excellent or good understanding of their child's allergies. We've come a long way, baby!
• I'm concerned to see that 50% of parents feel frustrated in dealing with their child's food allergy. Surprisingly, 31% report feeling isolated and alone. I know I felt this way 10 years ago, but I hoped that with so many blogs, websites and support groups, frustration and isolation would be low. We obviously still have a long way to go.
• 69% of parents believe that their food allergic child's life has been somewhat or significantly impacted by their food allergy. I certainly see an impact in meeting nutritional needs and in limitations for social opportunities.
• The limited social opportunity is further shown by the result stating 71% have never eaten in a restaurant due to food allergy concerns. Again, the awareness and information out there is so much better. Sites like AllergyEats help families make safer decisions. That said, I do get this one. Many feel that it's just not worth the risk.

Did anything jump out at you when you looked through the results? The bottom line for me is that I feel like we're moving ahead with food allergy information, but for those of us in the thick of it, it can't be fast enough.

New Facebook Page

I've got a new Facebook page! Please like me at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Food-Allergy-Assistant/118855898201358.

See you there!

Great List of Non-Food Products Containing Nuts

 It's amazing where nuts turn up! For anyone with a nut allergy, or someone who knows someone with a nut allergy, take a look at this list from Avoiding Milk Protein. From composite decking to kitty litter to paper, manufacturers are including peanuts and tree nuts in their products. Know before you buy.

Great Video for Kids About Food Allergies

Preschool and elementary children- food allergic or non-allergic- will benefit from seeing the video, "What is a Food Allergy?" created by AllergyHome.org. Information is clearly presented to help kids who don't have a food allergy understand what it means to be food allergic. Pass this on to your school, young family members, friends and neighbors to spread awareness.

The more we educate, the safer everyone will be.

Great Deals For Food Allergy Friendly Foods

With the kids back to school, some of our favorite food allergy companies are offering some fall deals:

• Divvies has free shipping on all products ($30 minimum purchase through September 10, 2011.
• Amanda's Own has their fall and Halloween products available.
• Chocolate Emporium is offering High Holiday specials for Rosh Hashana and Sukkot.
• Peanut Free Planet is offering free shipping on orders over $100.
• Vermont Nut Free also has their Halloween goodies out.

Some sad news for food allergy families- The Allergy Grocer has been forced to close. Their Miss Roben's mixes will reportedly be available soon through another distributor. I'll keep you posted. I'll miss those Barry Callebaut dairy free chocolate chips!