A phone call from the doctor to avoid major food groups due to severe allergies can be life changing. Many people are left with a sense of dread at the thought of grocery shopping, preparing meals, eating out or traveling. Fortunately there are some trustworthy resources for those with food allergies.
Food Allergy Support
The largest support network in the U.S. for those with food allergies is the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Helpful counselors are available to answer questions by phone and a paid membership offers regular newsletters with the most recent food allergy news. Other countries have similar organizations to support those affected by food allergy.
Food Allergy Books
Many books are available to help food allergy consumers understand the diagnosis and to learn how to deal with food allergies in the real world.
- Flourishing With Food Allergies, by A. Anderson
- The Parent's Guide to Food Allergies, by Marianne S. Barber
- What's to Eat? The Milk Free, Egg Free, Nut Free Food Allergy Cookbook, by Linda Coss
- What Else is to Eat? The Milk Free, Egg Free, Nut Free Food Allergy Cookbook, by Linda Coss
- How to Manage Your Child's Life-Threatening Food Allergies: Practical Tips for Everyday, by Linda Coss
- The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook, by Cybele Pascal
- Understanding and Managing Your Child's Food Allergies, by Dr. Scott Sicherer
- Food Allergy Field Guide, by Theresa Willingham
- Food Allergies for Dummies, by Dr. Robert Wood
Food Allergy Friendly Foods
Many packaged and ready made foods are available for those with food allergies. When traveling or packing meals for school or work, these companies can save time.
- Enjoy Life - wide variety of foods prepared without the top eight allergens
- Divvies - homemade foods free of dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts
- Cherrybrook Kitchen - baking mixes free of peanut, nut, dairy, egg
- Home Free Treats - treats free of peanut, tree nut, dairy and egg
- FAB Snacks - food allergy friendly treats
- Chocolate Emporium - non-dairy chocolates and other candies
- Amanda's Own Confections - chocolates free of dairy, nuts, peanuts, eggs and gluten
Food Allergy Resources
A wide variety of resources that deal with all aspects of food allergy are available. Check out resources on-line by entering these keywords into your favorite search engine.
- EpiPen®- helpful website about the medication that is prescribed for anaphylaxis.
- Twinject®- the medication prescribed for anaphylaxis that comes in a two dose form.
- Food Allergy Restaurant Cards- also called chef cards, these cards give instructions about specific allergies to the chef when eating out.
- Special Allergy Alerts- voluntary reporting by food manufacturers when ingredient labels contain incorrect information.
Networking with others and gathering information will help those diagnosed with food allergies take charge and stay safe.
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