Why We Care
We’re a family living with a mix of severe food allergies and food intolerances. Each of us has different needs, so one snack that’s safe for one person might not be safe for another. The lack of safe choices for our family inspired us to start Allergy in Mind. We read every label and check every ingredient because it’s better to miss a meal than risk a reaction. Finding safe snacks when we travel is always a challenge, and most of the time we end up hungry and discouraged. We’re done settling for disappointment. Safe snacking should be simple for everyone.
Living with Allergies Every Day
​According to research data provided by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE),
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Approximately 33 million people in the United States have at least one food allergy.
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Nearly 11 percent of adults aged 18 or older have at least one food allergy. This is 27 million adults.
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The nine leading causes of food allergies in the U.S. are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
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An estimated 1 in 13 children (8 percent), or 2 students per classroom, have a food allergy.
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About 40 percent of children with food allergies have multiple food allergies (more than one food to which they’re allergic).​
When Safe Isn’t Simple
Eating safe snacks when you are not at home can feel hard. Whether you are grabbing a snack in a hotel room, on a plane, or during a long trip, the small print on ingredient labels may not be clear. Also, if snacks are made or packed in a place that handles several foods, there could be hidden risks. The Food Allergy Research and Education reminds us that even a tiny bit of food on a spoon or surface can cause a reaction. Safe snacking while traveling starts with knowing what is in your food and choosing options made with allergy awareness in mind.
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When you travel or eat out, the challenge grows. Snacks and meals in new places may not have labels you can read easily. At restaurants and food-service spots, ingredients can cross over between plates or utensils, creating more risk. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says food allergens might not always be noticeable and shared tools or surfaces make it harder to stay safe. For people with allergies, the best safety plan is to be ready, read every label with care, and choose snacks and meals from sources you trust.