Order your allergy-free Easter candy

Aaahhh...we've made it through Valentine's day chocolates and heart-shaped confections, but with an early Easter this year, it's time to order egg and bunny shaped treats for those in your life with food allergies. One of my favorite places to order these sweets is Amanda's Own. Their chocolates are dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free and gluten free. The adorable packaging is a big hit and I am happy to report that their candies are delicious as well. They also offer Passover treats. Check out Amanda's Own at http://www.amandasown.com/. Hurry up! We only have until March 13, 2008 to guarentee Easter and Passover delivery.

Another Food Allergy Assistant

Annonymous Classroom Mom, I dub thee a "Food Allergy Assistant"

Valentines Day in second grade can be tough for a child with food allergies. Our rule is always not to eat anything until mom or dad have checked ingredients or called the food manufacturer. Often when classroom valentines are given out, there is candy to go with it. Usually that candy is from a larger bag and so individual pieces do not contain ingredient or contact information. It is heartbreaking to take all of the candy out of the valentine bag and tell your seven year old he can't have any of it. One mother this year had the forethought to cut the ingredient label from the box and attach it to the little candy. At home we checked the ingredients and the candy didn't contain dairy, eggs, peanuts, or tree nuts. "This one you can have," I said. A child's smile is truly priceless. Thank you Annonymous Classroom Mom!

Great resource for food allergies and food intolerances

For many years, I have used The Allergy Grocer, formerly known as Miss Roben's, as a resource for worry-free food allergy shopping. The company takes great steps to ensure that their plant is free of all major allergens, including gluten. They offer great tasting ready-to-eat foods as well as ingredients and mixes. Ingredients are clearly listed on all of their food labels. Major allergens are also clearly listed. If customers have any questions, the staff at The Allergy Grocer is knowledgeable and helpful as they handle specific product questions or help with baking tips. Check out their website at : http://allergygrocer.com or call them at 1-800-891-0083. If you need anything from dairy-free chocolate chips to wheat free pretzels to egg-free marshmallow cream, The Allergy Grocer is your resource.

FOOD ALLERGIES ON THE RISE

Food allergies affect all of us. The number of people diagnosed with food allergies continues to grow, and yet researchers have no idea what causes them. There is no cure. The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to completely avoid the food. In the event of an accidental exposure to the food, the allergic individual needs an injection of life-saving
epinephrine and an ambulance ride to the hospital. Deaths due to food allergy reactions occur every year. Over thirty thousand emergency room visits every year are linked to food allergy. Deaths and emergencies as a result of a food allergy are preventable. We need a dialogue about food allergies. We need to support research and legislation for food allergies. We need a cure.