May is Food Allergy Awareness Month

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to raising awareness and providing education and resources for support for people who have food allergies, family members, friends, caregivers and the community at large.

Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on someone’s daily life, from grocery shopping and meal planning to dining out and attending social events/gatherings. For people living with a food allergy, even a small amount of an allergen can trigger a reaction, which is why raising awareness and sharing education is so important.

Did you know that food is the most common allergen leading to emergency room visits?!

This year’s theme for Food Allergy Awareness Month is “The Power of Community to Improve Food Allergy Care”. 

I love this theme because it draws attention to the role we all play in promoting healthy, safe, inclusive and supportive eating environments for all people. 

Here are some important things to know about food allergies: 

• Food allergies can develop at any age. 

• Any food can cause a food allergy. 

• Food allergies are not a choice, or a dietary preference. 

If you have a food allergy it is important to work with your healthcare team, and: 

• Learn about your food allergy.

• Understand safe food handling and preparation practices. 

• Know how to read food labels and how to contact the manufacturer, should you have questions about manufacturing processes and potential cross contact with your allergen(s).

• Get comfortable with communicating about your food allergy and advocating for your needs.

• Develop an action plan, in the instance you do come into contact with your food allergen.

• Talk about your feelings/seek support if need be.

If you know someone who has a food allergy: 

• When planning activities or events, always talk about eating plans.

• Work with the person/family to develop an eating strategy:

  • This may mean making accommodations to the menu, how food is prepared, labeling of specific ingredients in dishes, adjustments to seating arrangements, or how food is served.

  • It may mean that a person may choose to bring their own food, if that is what they feel most safe with, or they may offer to bring a dish or two to share or pass.

  • This may also mean eating at a restaurant or place where food allergies can be accommodated. 

• Above all, try and make sure that everyone feels safe and included. 

If you serve food in the community, some things that you can do to help support people who have food allergies:

• Learn about food allergies, and safe food handling practices. 

• Develop food allergy training and protocols for all employees. 

• Be open and honest about your knowledge, training and experience in preparing and serving food to people who have food allergies. 

How can a dietitian help someone who has a food allergy?

Dietitians can:

• Help further strengthen knowledge in reading food labels, and safe food handling practices. 

• Ensure we are getting the adequate nutrition our bodies need. 

• Facilitate conversation with other members of the healthcare/support team. 

• Help support and encourage you in being an advocate for your needs.

• Connect you with additional community support resources. 

If you have a food allergy, I’d be happy to work with you on all of these things. 

Feel free to contact me here.

For additional resources about food allergies, see below:

• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE):

• Kids With Food Allergies (KFA)

• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT)

• Allergy and Asthma Network

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