Food Allergy Awareness Week Offers Opportunity to Increase Understanding of Severity of Food Allergy

McLEAN, Va. (May 11, 2018) – This  year during Food Allergy Awareness Week, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and the food allergy community are elevating the profile of food allergy as a serious public health issue and reinforcing key aspects of the food allergy journey that are often underestimated or misunderstood by those not affected by this life-altering disease.  

In observation of the 21^st Food Allergy Awareness Week, FARE is shining a light on food allergies in efforts to increase understanding of the following:

• Food allergies are potentially life-threatening
• Allergic reactions are unpredictable. Someone can experience a mild reaction with one exposure and potentially have a serious reaction the next time.
• A food allergy should not be described as “mild,” rather reactions themselves can be mild or severe
• Even a tiny amount of a food protein can cause an allergic reaction

Information on food allergies can be found in FARE’s new “Did You Know” infographic, which may be downloaded for free and shared.

“This year, amid widespread reports that members of the food allergy community are having trouble accessing lifesaving medication, it’s all the more important to double our efforts to educate the public about how serious food allergies are,” said James R. Baker, Jr. M.D., CEO and chief medical officer of FARE. “We are thankful to all of the parents, volunteers, educators and others who go the extra mile to share their knowledge and resources during this week and beyond.”

FARE’s efforts are amplified through support of the organization and its mission. Donations to FARE during Food Allergy Awareness Week will have double the impact, thanks to a matching gift of $50,000 from DBV Technologies. FARE thanks DBV Technologies for this generous gift to support efforts to raise awareness of food allergy during Food Allergy Awareness Week and beyond.

FARE’s comprehensive online headquarters -- www.foodallergy.org/food-allergy-awareness-week – includes a number of resources to help make awareness efforts a success in local communities, including an Action Calendar that provides one action individuals can take each day in May to support the food allergy community.

FARE extends its appreciation to the Empire State Building for going teal on May 13, the first night of Food Allergy Awareness Week, and to the food allergy community for joining in efforts to raise food allergy awareness.

FARE thanks National Strategic Partner OWYN – Only What You Need, as well as Aimmune Therapeutics, Enjoy Life Foods, free2B Foods and Pure Encapsulations for their generous support of its Food Allergy Awareness Week campaign.