FARE Honors the Teens of the Food Allergy Community

May 13, 2022 (McLean, VA) – Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is taking time this “Friday Funday” of Food Allergy Awareness Week to celebrate, acknowledge and highlight our awesome teen community. Known as TAG, FARE’s Teen Advisory Group is FARE’s voice for the teen and young adult food allergy family. TAG members have many responsibilities including writing articles for the FARE Blog and other publications and serving as mentors. They also help lead FARE youth programs while offering support to fellow teens who are living with food allergies. 

Life with food allergies isn’t easy for anyone, but teenagers have the extra challenge of navigating school cafeterias and dealing with contemporaries who may not always understand the difficulties of life for a food allergic teen. According to a survey published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, approximately 25% of children are bullied, teased or harassed because of their food allergy. 

School cafeterias, instead of being a place of comradery and fun antics over lunch, are a place of anxiety for students with food allergies. Reading ingredient lists is a must. Talking with and coordinating with cafeteria and school staff is imperative. Being prepared with an epi pen is a constant. 

At 5:00 PM ET today, you can join in a conversation on the FARE Facebook page with TAG members Catherine Walker and Brandon Brigner as they answer questions related to teens and food allergies. 

For more information about food allergies, please visit www.foodallergy.org.