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ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
When we know better, we can do better.
The power is in each of our hands. There are many ways to get involved in better food allergy protection, education, transparency and raising funds for better treatment options.
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the largest non-profit focused on food allergy policy change in the United States.
Sign up to receive emails about advocacy action alerts, opportunities to engage on issues that matter most to you, local advocacy events and other food allergy related content.
Food manufacturers continue to use vague terms like "natural flavors" and "spices" to hide ingredients in their products.
Without transparency, people with food allergies and diet restrictions are flying blind. Sign this petition now to promote accountability for better labeling requirements.
If you have suspicions that a food label is not accurate with disclaiming allergens, you can contact the United States Food & Drug Administration directly:
Fill out a online form or call 888-SAFEFOOD (723-3663). Alternatively, you can contact a state-specific consumer complaint coordinator to report your findings.
In the U.S, the federal law protects individuals from discrimination under the ADA (American Disabilities Act) and this includes food allergies. That means that in most public places and also private businesses, you have a right to be treated fairly. If you feel a violation of this law has been made, you may file a complaint with the Department of Justice.
Whether it be a social media fundraising drive, or a Team FARE fundraiser you orchestrate, raising funds to advocate for better treatments (or even a cure) can be started at the grassroot level. Add a corporate match and the $$$ add up quickly!
Raising awareness on food allergies is ongoing and needs your voice. Sharing your story on social media, or writing to an editor of local publications will open minds and ears to become more conscious about engaging properly on this invisible topic. Food allergies impact millions of lives and sharing safety tips could save lives.
“Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.”
—George S. Patton
FARE (foodallergy.org) organized the Courage@Congress Virtual Fly-In, a lobbying event that organized advocates by state and set up the training for individual Senate and House Representative meetings. I felt honored to advocate for the 32 Million Americans who live with food allergies.
To say it was an empowering experience is an understatement. Beforehand I was quite intimidated as a newbie. I'd never lobbied before and don't know all of the legislative jargon. I feared freezing at the potential 'gotcha' questions I'd get asked.
But as I dug into the prep materials, I realized "I got this". We LIVE this. And who cares if I stumble? I can do hard things. I can learn and grow at any age.
For me, it fueled a deeper passion for change and a responsibility for action. I CAN make the bold asks because I believe in them wholeheartedly.
I didn't expect to be so moved by the legislative bills, grounding stats and direct asks. But afterwards, I felt even more tied to the cause and realized the importance of this 'moment' to fight the good fight for food allergy families and individuals.
Education is ongoing and I learned a lot. Seeing the process up close gave me new eyes, an open mind to learning new ropes and the confidence to speak with conviction on a cause so dear to my heart.
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