June 2023 Leadership Spotlight: FARE Community Outreach Awards

FARE has awarded nearly $20,000 to FARE-Recognized Support Groups as part of its annual Community Outreach Awards program. The awards are used to implement local initiatives that raise awareness of food allergies and support families managing the disease.

The recipients of 2023 Community Outreach Awards are Allergy Awareness for Children Everywhere (IL), Camp Blue Spruce/Food-Free Fun (OR), Coastal Food Allergy Support (VA/NC), Northern Virginia Food Allergy Group, SAFE (South Shore Allergy Families Educating) (MA), Tampa Food Allergy Support and Education (FL), and Utah Food Allergy Network. These seven groups from seven states applied for awards of up to $3,000. Among the projects funded are:

• Multiple Teal Pumpkin Project/Halloween events and activities 
• A food allergy-friendly adventure day camp
• Workshops for teachers
• New patient toolkits in partnerships with health care providers
• Donation and education support to food banks serving clients with food allergies
• Online teen-child mentorship program

“Our members and the community look forward to this event all year round,” says Brett Fox of the Northern Virginia Food Allergy Group’s annual Teal Pumpkin festival. “We know this event is successful because it continues to grow each year, and we receive kind feedback about how grateful attendees are for a safe and inclusive activity for everyone.”

In addition to the Community Outreach Awards, FARE has also awarded approximately $5,000 in stipends to 10 support groups in eight states. The annual stipends support operational expenses incurred by the groups.

FARE-Recognized Support Groups play a vital role in carrying out FARE’s mission by hosting meetings, forums, and events to help families living with food allergies feel safe, included, and supported. Click here to find a support group in your local area.