This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week! Since 1997, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has made an extra push to “Take Action, Prevent Reactions” during this week every year.
How can you and your family participate? Check out FAAN's "Get Involved" page online. The organization has created a calendar of events for you to follow, from creating a Food Allergy Action Plan (see FAAN's template) to telling your story to your local media, and reading Alexander, the Elephant Who Couldn't Eat Peanuts. You could also spread the word with allergy awareness posters and start planning a Food Allergy PAL™ Day fundraiser for next year.
This is also an excellent opportunity to get the word out among your local school administrators and elected officials. FAAN is trying to get proclamations from all 50 states and has provided sample letters and templates for you to send to your governor (download here).
As an extra-special way to mark the week, you could present your child with a WELLalarm™ peanut allergy ID bracelet. The charm bracelet comes with 12 months of free Platinum Service Plan and includes the Parental Alert System™, which immediately notifies you via email or text in a crisis. This is an excellent way to raise awareness of peanut allergies among your child's friends and teachers--and to help your child take ownership of his or her food allergies in a positive way.
However you mark Food Allergy Awareness Week, the resources are out there to help you. Help others to "take action, prevent reactions" and you may end up saving a life!







