Just this morning I was texting with Jennifer Solomon, co-found of Nutfreewear, and we were talking about how food allergy kids can make a difference when she brought up how can her freshly minted eight year old can get involved.  She explained that the little girl has helped with school presentations before.  I  explained that she can do plenty and that I’ll write a short blog about it, but it turned out to be long!  So, here I am writing a list of involvement that either I’ve watched all of you do with your kids or my own have participated.  Please add to this list below including your favorite materials!!   Gina Mennett Lee mentioned during the Food Allergy Blogger Conference as we spoke together that our youth of today will be the change makers of tomorrow and by these kids witnessing and participating in our work they are learning.  I’m personally learning that they are more powerful than us, many times, since they are speaking about their own experience.  Whereas, we are speaking from our experience managing them.

image courtesy of Nut Free Wear

Brainstorm list of Ideas of how Kids With Food Allergies Can be Involved

Starting conversations about food allergies makes a HUGE difference! 
Littlest ones – by wearing or carrying certain items, conversations can be started by parents (toddler/preschool)

• Wearing medcal ID bracelets
• Sporting awareness bling, such as tee shirts, bracelets, jewelry
• Carrying Food Allergy aware lunchboxes (my family’s personal favorite) or bag

Bigger little ones – Kindergarten and lower elementary ages students can raise awareness  just by sharing information

• Still wearing those bracelets and ID – this is a a life long need and quietly reminds folks of their allergens
• Sharing safe foods for the group and then explaining they have an life threatening food allergy and want to share their yummy treats
• If comfortable, wearing allergen awareness bling—BUT, explaining to people what it means
• Sharing information at school with their class alongside their parent or adult, whoo can appropriately explain food allergies, during Food Allergy Awareness Week
• During special Holidays or even random moments, share awarness materials with a small and thoughtful thank you gift or card with teachers, coaches, school nurses, etc

Big Ones – uppper Elementary ages can get tricky since there seems to be a special moment in time where kids might want to blend in and not draw attention to themselves

• Never let go of those ID bracelets or jewelry
• Let the child cook or prepare safe foods themselves to share with the entire group and mark foods FREE FROM….  This is another way to send a message by showing the importance of labeling and empowering the student on how to prepare safe foods
• Speaking of labeling, a science project based on food allergies, how to label read, is another great way to share information indirectly
• Creating and participating in food allergy awareness events such as walk teams or support group events by assisting with check in, helping with booths, set-up, etc.
• Instead of parents bringing in materials to share with adults, invite your child to share with adults and help them out with talking points, such as, “I thought you might be interested in these materials about food allergies, my family finds them very helpful.   Or I would really like it if you read these, it’s important to me”.

Bigger Big Ones – Middle school is when I found my son wanting to blend completely into the wall, but by taking the role of mentor and volunteer they may shift from the one being cared for to caring for others 

• Medical IDs forever
• Assisting support group events, mentoring younger children by modeling wearing medical ID jewelry and carrying EpiPen® and Auvi-Q® epinphrine auto-injectors
• Participating as a volunteer for food allergy related awareness events.
• Teach friends how to use EpiPen® and Auvi-Q® epinphrine auto-injectors and what to do during an emergency if age appropriate for your child
• Some kids even participate in the legislative process and simply tag along with adults advocating or even speak themselves

 Biggest Ones – High school is the time when being one of the gang is critical, so advocating at school may be quiet but…

• Science or writing projects can raise awareness
• Holding their own fundraiser or creating a team for a food allergy event and gathering support at school or with friends
• Engage in direct conversation with teachers and adults by providing materials, videos and ideas
• Support younger kids with allergies and ask them if they are wearing carrying their rescue medications, wearing medical ID’s etc.

All ages..

• Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project
• Create or join a walk team
• Hand out materials with support groups or other organziations

Resources..

• Kids with Food Allergies (KFA)
• Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)
• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT)
• Allergy Home 

Add your ideas of ways food allergy kids can be involved below!!!!