CA Schools Now Safer for Food Allergy Students
California Food Allergy Resource Guide Is Now Available
August 8, 2023 (McLean, VA) – As students prepare to return to school this fall, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is pleased to announce that life will be easier and safer for the more than 460,000 California students, ages 5-18, with potentially life-threatening food allergies due to the implementation of the Zacky Bill, AB 2640, signed into law on September 29, 2022. This bill required the State Department of Education to create an online California Food Allergy Resource Guide, providing guidance to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools on the importance of food allergy management and treatment. It will be officially unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday, August 9 in Los Angeles, CA.
“FARE was proud to support Zacky Muñoz, and his mom, Priscilla Hernandez, to help pass the Zacky Bill last year. We are thrilled to see the law being implemented just before more than 460,000 food allergy students head back to school this fall,” said Jaime Rupert, FARE’s Chief Communications & Marketing Officer.
On August 9, FARE will join LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, staff from LA County Department of Education, and others to announce the recent launch of the California Department of Education’s new California Food Allergy Resource Guide and honor eleven-year-old Zacky Muñoz for his tireless advocacy efforts. This resource guide is now available to all school districts statewide to help school staff and parents protect students with food allergies at school and minimize the risk of food anaphylaxis during school meals.
The Zacky Bill is named for 11-year-old National Food Allergy Advocate and FARE Ambassador Zacky Muñoz, who suffers from life-threatening food allergies. Zacky’s passion for food allergy advocacy is personal and relentless. His goal is to help all students like him live safer and more inclusive lives. Added Rupert, “What Zacky and his mom, Priscilla, have been able to do in the state of California is nothing short of amazing. It is through work such as theirs that we will be able to truly transform the food allergy landscape for our community.”
“This law helps make our schools safer but most importantly, it shines a light on kids with food allergies,” says Zacky Muñoz. “And THAT is what makes me the most proud.”
FARE was a staunch supporter of the Zacky Bill and remains dedicated to California’s estimated 467,000 food-allergic K-12 students and their families. For more information about FARE’s advocacy efforts and to join the food allergy movement, please visit here.
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About FARE
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers the food allergy patient across the journey of managing their disease. FARE delivers innovation by focusing on three strategic pillars—advocacy, research, and education—united by the through line of health equity. FARE’s initiatives accelerate the future of food allergy through effective policies and legislation, novel strategies toward prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and building awareness and community. For more information, visit FoodAllergy.org.