May is a pretty special time for food allergy parents. As a whole, May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Food allergies get their own week as well. Food Allergy Awareness Week starts on May 13th!
I’ve been hard at work lining up events to spread awareness. Here’s a list of what’s happening in my home state:
government
I used this link to request a proclamation for Food Allergy Awareness Week. Governor Phil Scott’s office sent us our own signed, official copy of the State of Vermont proclamation for Food Allergy Awareness Week (insert insane happy dance here!!!). Official proclamations signify a commitment from government and can help pave the way for food allergy legislation.
fundraising
I purchased a number of teal ribbon pins from FARE and am selling them for $5, with all funds going to FARE through our team’s participation in their Food Allergy Heroes Walk. Make sure you have yours for #TealTakeover on Thursday, May 17th.
If you’d like a pin, make a donation here and let me know! We can mail one to you. Ollie helped decorate the thank you cards each pin comes on.
Tuesday, May 15th: Join us at Chipotle on Shelburne Road in South Burlington from 4-8 PM for a fundraiser. Bring in the Cause an Effect flier linked below and 50% of all sales go to FARE, again through their Food Allergy Heroes Walk. Chipotle aka “poltlay” is the only place Ollie has ever eaten out.
reading
Thursday, May 17th: A Food Allergy Story Time at Essex Free Library. We will read a food allergy book or two, color, and earn teal ribbon stickers! Rumor has it we might single some Kyle Dine (but I won’t be leading that)! Join us at 10:30 AM.
Saturday, May 19th: A Food Allergy Story Time at Brownell Library. We will read a food allergy book or two, color, and earn teal ribbon stickers! Join us at 10:00 AM.
snacking and learning
Monday, May 14th: Looks for yours truly in a segment on WCAX during the 5:30 news to kick off Food Allergy Awareness Week. I hope that everyone finds it informative and helpful. And I’m so glad it is done! I know I will not have a career behind the camera anytime soon, but I appreciate that WCAX was willing to highlight such an important issue.
Thursday, May 17th: Look for Leslie Langevin MS, RD, CD of Whole Health Nutrition on Fox44 at 7:15 AM. She’ll be talking allergy-friendly food and cooking alternatives for common allergens. You don’t want to miss this! Thanks to Whole Health Nutrition, we have peace of mind that Ollie’s restricted diet is balanced and he’s safely getting all the nutrients he needs. A mom herself, Leslie is AMAZING about providing the perfect mix of whole food and convenient, prepackaged options because she understands life gets busy. One other plus? Most insurances cover three sessions per year without a referral, making their service accessible.
Saturday, May 19th: A tabling event at Healthy Living featuring a number of allergy-friendly foods and educational materials. We’ll have teal pins for sale too! Stop by between 11:30 and 1:30.
what can you do for food allergy awareness week?
Want to do something in your hometown? It’s certainly not too late! FARE has a number of resources to help. If your child is in school or daycare, ask if you can read a book and lead a discussion. Better yet, give a Be a PAL presentation, with materials already created for you. Reach out to local libraries and bookstores to plan a story time together. See about a fundraiser at your favorite allergy-friendly restaurant. Reach out to local media and ask for a story on food allergies. Make sure your closet is stocked with teal. The possibilities are endless!
If you have questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help! I’d love to hear what’s going on in your hometown. Let’s make Food Allergy Awareness Week 2018 one for the record books!