FARE is the largest US nonprofit organization dedicated to driving research and a cure for the more then 33 million people in the US with food allergies

McLean, VA
Joined April 2009
"Growing up with a sister who has multiple food allergies shaped our family in small, everyday ways. I learned to swap ingredients, read labels carefully, and create safe versions of her favorite treats. Watching her sit out at parties or miss simple moments was hard, but it also revealed her courage and the quiet strength she carries every day. Seeing her become a brave, confident, and compassionate teen fills me with pride. Her experience made me realize how many children face similar challenges; 1 in 13 kids in the United States manage food allergies. That shared reality inspired me to take action and support organizations working to make life safer and more inclusive for families like ours. I am proud to support Food Allergy Research & Education because their work in research, education, and advocacy directly improves the lives of children and families. Every step forward in awareness, safer products, and better treatments brings comfort and possibility to those living with allergies. I'm thrilled to be part of this effort to help fund research, education, and advocacy that protect children and give families hope. Together we can make everyday moments safer and fuller for kids with food allergies." -David Ma Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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It's National Nut Day! 🌰 Despite the name, peanuts aren’t actually tree nuts, they’re legumes! While some people are allergic to both, peanut and tree nut allergies are different. #nationalnutday #foodallergy
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"My name is Cole Kim, and I am a junior at Darien High School in Connecticut. For the second year in a row, I am participating with FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and the Teal Pumpkin Project. I’ve had an anaphylactic allergy to peanuts and tree nuts my whole life, and they’ve shaped the way I experience everyday things, especially holidays like Halloween. I’ve been hospitalized twice after accidentally eating foods that had cross-contact with nuts. The second time it took three rounds of epinephrine to save my life. For kids growing up like me, trick-or-treating can be stressful because even candy that seems safe carries the risk of cross-contact. The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages families to give out non-food treats like stickers, small toys, or glow sticks and to place a teal pumpkin outside to show they’re allergy-friendly. It’s a simple idea, but one that can make Halloween safer and more inclusive. One issue I found is that houses that volunteer to be part of the Teal Pumpkin Project are often far apart. Parents sometimes have to drive their kids from one side of town to another just to find a few safe place to stop, which can turn a fun night into a stressful one. Last year, I organized 15 houses in my surrounding neighborhood to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, all within walking distance of each other. Kids with allergies could trick-or-treat safely, and parents didn’t have to drive around searching for safe homes. I’m grateful to my neighbors who joined last year. Their support helped turn our streets into a safe, inclusive place for kids with allergies, and with their help again this year, I hope to make Halloween a stress-free and fun night for even more families. This year I am aiming to get 30+ houses to participate, all within walking distance of each other. I want to make Halloween even safer and more fun for kids with food allergies and create an environment for them to celebrate just like their friends. I hope teens like me can join me in their towns to do the same." - Cole Kim Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map! foodallergy.org/our-initiati…
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"I’ve lived with severe peanut and tree nut allergies since infancy. From checking ingredient lists and asking questions before eating, I learned early on to think ahead and recognize potential risks. Even with these precautions, however, the fear of an allergic reaction could turn something as simple as sharing a meal into a stressful or isolating experience. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found ways to turn the challenges of living with food allergies into opportunities for action. In college, I introduced FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project to my campus to make celebrations more inclusive for students with food allergies. I also created _Dining with Danger_, a dance performance that translates the experience of anaphylaxis into movement to raise awareness about the severity of food allergies. I hope that sharing my story can help others better understand what it means to live with food allergies and make those living with them feel a little less alone." Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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Did you know food allergy can affect more than just physical health? This World Mental Health Day, we’re raising awareness of the emotional impact of living with food allergy. Food allergy doesn’t just affect the body; it affects emotional well-being too. Living with food allergy requires constant vigilance and can create anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Only 54% of children, 35% of adults, and 27% of caregivers have ever consulted a mental health professional about food allergy–related distress, yet most patients and caregivers report some mental health impacts associated with living with food allergy. In a study drawing on FARE Patient Registry data, 62% of patients reported mental health concerns related to food allergy.
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"Until last year, the Teal Pumpkin Project was something we had never really seen in Colombia. When we decided to bring it to our community, we realized we couldn’t even find teal pumpkins, only the traditional orange ones. So we thought: why not make our own? Together with my pediatric residents, we started a small campaign to raise awareness about food allergies during Halloween. We took the message to schools, hospitals, and our outpatient clinics, created educational videos, talked with families and teachers, and shared ideas for non-food treats. And yes... we painted our own pumpkins! 🎃 In the schools, the children helped us paint them and we created murals to make the message even more visible. What started as an idea among a group of pediatricians became something that allowed us to talk to so many children and families about inclusion and keeping children with food allergies safe during Halloween. For us, the teal pumpkin is not just a pumpkin. It is a simple way of saying: “You are included. There is a place for you here.” We hope that this little beginning continues to grow in Colombia and that, year after year, more families, schools and communities recognize what that teal pumpkin means. Because sometimes, starting a movement is as simple as painting the first pumpkin. 🎃" -Jackelyn Become a Teal Pumpkin Captain in your community! foodallergy.org/tealpumpkinp…
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Teal Pumpkin Season is here, which means it’s time to make Halloween safer for every trick-or-treater! FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement that helps make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies and other conditions by encouraging families to offer non-food treats alongside candy. A teal pumpkin on your doorstep lets families know you have options like glow sticks, stickers, small toys, and other non-food goodies available. And this year, we’re taking the movement even further. We’re calling on advocates across the country to become Teal Pumpkin Project Captains and help bring the movement to their own communities. Captains can spread the word, rally neighbors, schools, and local organizations, and help turn more neighborhoods teal this Halloween. One teal pumpkin can make a difference. A whole community of them can transform Halloween! Learn more and add your home to the map here: foodallergy.org/tealpumpkinp…
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Take on 33 miles for the 33+ million people in the U.S. living with food allergy. Walk, run, bike, dance—move your way to 33 miles this October while raising funds to support FARE's work. Join today: FoodAllergy.org/33miles
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"My wife and I are blessed with three incredible boys. When two of our sons were born with multiple life-threatening food allergies, our world changed instantly. Like so many parents in the allergy community, we were overwhelmed—first by fear, and then by the uncertainty of what the future would look like for our children. Beyond the medical challenges, the most difficult part was emotional. We wanted our children to feel included. To feel normal. To be able to experience the same simple joys as other kids—birthday parties, celebrations, and the everyday moments that often revolve around food. That desire led me on a journey. Over the course of several years, I traveled across the country, connecting with individuals, families, and leaders within the allergy community. I wanted to understand, to learn, and most importantly, to find a way to make a meaningful difference—not just for my own children, but for others facing the same challenges. From that journey, my wife and I founded Allergy Free Bakery. Our mission is simple but deeply personal: to create a place where children and adults with food allergies or sensitivities can truly enjoy the sweetest moments in life—without fear. Everything we offer is completely free from the top nine allergens, and also gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. Each day, we make hundreds of products designed to bring joy, inclusion, and peace of mind to families like ours. What started as a solution for our own family has grown into something much larger. We’ve been embraced by our local community and supported by families across the country who share similar stories. It has been incredibly humbling to see the impact—watching children light up when they realize they can safely enjoy a treat just like everyone else. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue expanding—reaching more families, building more communities, and creating more spaces where no one feels left out because of food allergies. At the heart of everything we do is the same purpose that started it all: making sure our children—and others like them—feel included, safe, and able to celebrate life’s sweetest moments!" - Chris Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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On Wednesday, October 21, the food allergy community will gather in NYC for the 2026 FARE Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating connection, progress and creating a future where everyone has a place at the table. This year’s theme, Creating a Table for All—The Time Is Now, is an invitation and call to action. The evening will bring together longtime advocates, new friends, young leaders, and changemakers to mix, mingle and enjoy chef-inspired fare and a special performance! 📍 Cipriani 42nd Street, NYC 📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 🕕 6 p.m. ET Reception 🍽️ 7 p.m. Dinner, Program, and a Very Special Performance We’d love to see you there! Tickets and tables are available now: bit.ly/4jazCTi #nyc #gala #foodallergy #fundraiser
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"My name is Ashley Ackerman and I am seventeen years old. I have lived with life-threatening food allergies since I was one. We discovered my allergies after I ate a small bite peanut butter. My family has worked nonstop to keep me safe which meant flying across the country for six years to participate in a food tolerance program. For me, eating has never been simple—it requires constant vigilance and trust that the food in front of me is safe. I have made multiple trips to the emergency room after accidental exposures, including times when I was served foods I was allergic to at restaurants I believed were safe. These experiences taught me that food allergies are not just personal medical conditions; they are public safety issues. When allergen information is unclear or staff are not properly trained, the consequences can be life-threatening. That is why I strongly support New Jersey Senate Bill 3394. Clear labeling and improved restaurant awareness are necessities, not conveniences. Policies like this create accountability and allow individuals with food allergies to make informed, safe decisions. Allergy Pals was founded in 2024 with the mission to build a strong and supportive community for children with food allergies and their “pals” to empower them with knowledge and resources to manage their allergies, and advocate for a safer and more inclusive world for all. At my school, I created the “Food Allergy Club” to raise awareness and advocate for clearer cafeteria labeling. We built a food pantry that offers clearly labeled Top 9 allergen-free foods so students can access options they trust. Seeing classmates feel safer in school has shown me how meaningful structured change can be. I love being part of TAG program through FARE. I love the monthly themes and helping younger children navigate daily life with food allergies and come up with strategies to help. Living with food allergies has taught me resilience and leadership, but it has also shown me that real change requires policy. No one should have to choose between participating in everyday life and protecting their own safety." -Ashley Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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Resident Advisors can play an important role in creating safer college communities for students with food allergies. FARE’s Resident Advisor Food Allergy Training gives RAs the knowledge and confidence they need to support students living with food allergies in campus housing. Through the training, RAs will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, understand anaphylaxis, know how to respond during a food allergy emergency, and take practical steps to foster a safe and supportive residential community. Learn more about FARE’s Resident Advisor Food Allergy Training: foodallergyacademy.org/cours…
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"At eight months old, I was diagnosed with a dairy allergy. However, what is usually found to be a common allergy among infants and toddlers is one that I have yet to grow out of nearly sixteen years later. There was even a period of a few years when I was younger that I could tolerate certain baked dairy products. However, that unfortunately ended when I went into anaphylactic shock after eating a piece of store bought cake at my eighth birthday party. To this day, I avoid all dairy, as my allergy is at the worst it’s ever been. Even though I’ve learned to be okay with not eating dairy all my life, I still struggle when it comes to anxiety surrounding social events, worries about potential cross contamination, and the overall fear of going into anaphylactic shock. However, I’ve always had a wonderful support team of a family; they are my biggest advocates and have always sought to make sure I feel comfortable and safe when it comes to food, regardless of the environment I’m in. All my life, my grandmother- Mem-Mem, also known as my Little Debbie- has shown her immense love and care for me through food. Having a grandchild with a severe food allergy, she’s always made every effort to triple check ingredients, wash her hands and scrub appliances to prevent any possible cross contact, and advocate for me in public places when dealing with food. She’s even gone as far as completely remaking meals for me to eliminate the fear that she accidentally used the wrong ingredients. Through every dance competition, school event, and big opportunity I’ve had the privilege to attend, she’s always been right by my side, ensuring I have everything I need (and more) to pursue my passions and live without fear of food." -Kenna Happy National Grandparents Day! Register now to save your spot for FARE's Webinar: Grandparents, Grandfriends, and Food Allergies: Supporting the Kids You Love on Thursday, September 17 at 12 p.m. ET. bit.ly/4yjLXsI
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"Growing up, I had multiple life-threatening anaphylaxis food allergies to many of the Top 9 Major Food Allergens. Through food challenges I was able to outgrow almost all of them. Now, I am lucky to only have a life-threatening anaphylaxis food allergy to peanut. However, growing up with food allergies was never easy. There were multiple times when I politely declined the birthday cake at parties or came home from trick-or-treating with an empty pale. Although, it is with my family, my food allergy ally's, that they helped me make new experiences and the journey easier. My Great-Grandma Stella is my best friend. My mom constantly jokes that we are the same person. We both love reading, crocheting, apple pie, and fashion. I want to thank her for always being adaptive and diligent about my food allergies. Even though she does not deal with them herself, she never once makes me feel less than or different for having them. All of the generations of my family from my Great-Grandma to my aunts and cousins are so loving and willing to learn about my food allergies and create a safe space when we are together; for this I am so thankful." -Kailee National Grandparents Day is around the corner! Register now to save your spot for FARE's Webinar: Grandparents, Grandfriends, and Food Allergies: Supporting the Kids You Love on Thursday, September 17 at 12 p.m. ET. bit.ly/4yjLXsI
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Girl Scouts has announced Sparkables™, a new allergy-friendly oatmeal chocolate chip cookie made with the food allergy community in mind! For the millions of children and families managing food allergies, being a part of traditions like Girl Scout Cookie season matters. We’re encouraged to see Girl Scouts taking this step to help create an experience where more families can participate. More than 70 Girl Scout councils across the country have participated in FARE’s Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program, giving Girl Scouts the tools to better understand food allergies, recognize and respond to an allergic reaction, and support friends and peers living with food allergies. We’re proud to celebrate this progress and look forward to continuing to work toward a safer world for everyone impacted by food allergies. foodallergy.org/our-initiati…
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What an amazing night in Boston! FARE brought together young adults with food allergies for an unforgettable evening of baseball and community. The night was all about making connections, sharing experiences, and spending time with people who understand what it’s like to navigate adulthood with food allergies. The energy and sense of community made it a truly special evening. A special thank you to Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Wayne Shreffler for sharing their expertise and joining us for such an important conversation, and to FARE Medical Director Dr. Kelly Cleary for moderating the discussion. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so special. We’re excited to continue creating spaces for young adults with food allergies to connect, learn, and build community. Event made possible through the generous support of DBV Technologies and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
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"I have had a tree-nut allergy my whole life. In 2014, when I was 6 years old, I ate a macadamia nut cookie. I went into anaphylactic shock. Thanks to the first responders, I survived. However, another one or two minutes would have completely altered the lives of my family and those who knew me. After that terrifying experience, my family started taking it as seriously as it deserved to be taken. They constantly asked me where my epi-pen was before I went out. They would double-check with waiters after I ordered my food. For a really long time, I saw my allergy as an annoyance because that's what it felt like. Watching waiters roll their eyes after I asked them if my meal had any nuts in it felt uncomfortable. Having only a few alternatives for a safe meal felt disappointing. I became conscious that it was an extra responsibility for myself and those around me. I rarely ever ordered when going out to eat without my mother giving me a slight nod to remind me to “double check” if my food was safe. After multiple food scares and reflections, I have realized that I have the power to control how I think about my allergy. It could be a roadblock, or it could be a step that would lead me to teach others and encourage them to Own Your Allergy. Own Your Allergy Inc. is the nonprofit that I have founded. The mission of Own Your Allergy is to empower teens to advocate for their food allergy across all social settings and restaurants, as well as educate and encourage empathy among restaurant staff through a teen’s perspective. Additionally, Own Your Allergy serves as a food recovery organization to provide allergy-safe foods to local food banks. Currently, OYA has a partnership with Eastern Area Community Ministries, the Kentucky Restaurant Association-Louisville Chapter, and the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness." -Sadie Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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For the more than 470,000 people in the U.S. living with EoE, we wanted to share some encouraging news. Newly announced Phase 3 results for tezepelumab-ekko showed improvements in swallowing symptoms and other signs of the disease. Read more about the phase 3 trial results here: fiercepharma.com/pharma/amge… @amgenbiotech @AstraZenecaUS
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This past weekend, the food allergy community came together for FARE's Regional Summit: Real Talk. Real Solutions. at Stanford University for a full day of learning, connection, and conversation. Caregivers, adults living with food allergies, tweens, and teens joined leading experts to explore the latest in food allergy research, share practical strategies for navigating everyday life, and connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with food allergies. A huge thank you to our incredible speakers, Sharon Chinthrajah, MD; Tina Sindher, MD; Melissa Engel, PhD; Christopher Warren, PhD; and Kelly Cleary, MD, MPH, for sharing their expertise and insights with our community. And thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful. Event made possible through the generous support of DBV Technologies and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
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"When we prepared for our first child, it never crossed our minds that food allergies might become part of our story. At six months old, we gave our daughter, Eliza, peanut butter for the first time. Within minutes, she broke out in hives from head to toe. We were completely unprepared. We went to urgent care, received steroids, and were referred to an allergist. Then I started learning everything I could. I Googled, researched, followed other allergy families, and tried to understand a world I never expected to enter. A month later, Eliza had an accidental exposure. Thankfully, we have avoided another exposure for the past two years, but food allergies have changed the way we experience everyday life. Eliza attends part-time school. We bring our own food to parties. I pack a meal for her when we go out most of the time. Holidays, celebrations, restaurants, and family gatherings all require a level of planning we never imagined. You begin to realize just how much American culture revolves around food, and how difficult it can be when something as ordinary as a snack can pose a serious risk to your child. When I became a mom, I never imagined the word “allergy” would become part of my identity as a parent. But it is a role I am grateful to have if it means advocating for my daughter. She is not yet two and a half years old, and she can already say, “I am allergic to peanuts.” We have found books and resources that have helped us teach her about her allergy in an age-appropriate way, including Daniel Tiger. Hearing our little girl say those words is both heartbreaking and empowering. She is learning to advocate for herself before she is even old enough to fully understand what an allergy means. We never expected food allergies to be part of our story. But they are now, and we are learning to navigate them one day, one meal, one birthday party, and one holiday at a time. I would never choose this for my daughter. But I will always choose to advocate for her." - Hannah Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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