The Importance of Properly Communicating #Food #Allergy #Policy

I am rejoicing as this year’s back-to-school night was the first in which there was no uncomfortable talk about food allergy policy, no snickers from the other parents, no knot in my stomach from holding back my frustration. It was the first time in all the years my daughters have been at school (that would.. read more →

Food Allergy Reaction: An Inside Look at the Emotional Impact

By Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed. My daughter turned to me, in her little 9-year-old voice, that is a bittersweet reminder of how she has had to grow up way too fast, and asked, “Am I ok, Mom?” She was bracing herself for the worst. I had brought her to the restaurant bathroom to check on.. read more →

Could Allergy Amulet Help You Avoid an Allergic Reaction?

When I first heard about the Allergy Amulet, I have to admit I had concerns about it.  I thought the purpose of the amulet was to use it as the sole means to ensure a food is safe. I shared this concern with it’s inventor, Abigail Barnes, at a food allergy event.  Not only was.. read more →

Weekend Specials: Preschool Food Allergy Handbook

In the spirit of giving thanks, my friend and co-author, Laurel Francoeur and I are running TWO #PreschoolFoodAllergyHandbook specials now through Monday. SPECIAL ONE: NOW Through BLACK FRIDAY- When Buy One Book at Regular Price, you will send you an additional copy FREE. **Add it to your personal library **Give one to a friend **Give.. read more →

Is Food Really Love?*

  Someone recently said to me, “Food is love.  Love is food.” And my response was, “I love food, but I love people more.” I’m of Italian heritage.  If you are Italian, you know this means that food is central to all gatherings.  I have fond memories of visiting my Nana and having her give.. read more →

Why Our Classrooms Must Be a Sanctuary For All Children

  I remember when I was in college, a professor of mine gave us all a copy of the poem, “Children Learn What They Live.”  I saved it and read from time to time as a reminder of why I wanted to be a teacher. I still believe in the ideals in the poem.  I.. read more →

#WhereIsYourEpi Campaign Updates

By Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed. I am a firm believer that when we work together towards common goals, great things can be achieved.  There is much work to be done in the food allergy community and it is going to take the hands and hearts of many to accomplish it. In keeping with the theme.. read more →

Preschool Food Allergy Handbook: Book Release & Sneak Peek

  Book release and sneak peek!! Laurel Francoeur and I put the finishing touches on our new book, the Preschool Food Allergy Handbook, this September. We launched it at the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference and were overwhelmed by the support of this much needed book addressing the preschool setting. For those of you that aren’t.. read more →

What are food allergies revealing about our society?

By Gina Mennett Lee, M.Ed.  FoodAllergyConsulting.com “It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.” Coach Elaine Hall This quote was shared by Dr. Rob Melillo via twitter this morning and it immediately struck a cord. It so perfectly captures how I feel.. read more →

AWESOME Food Allergy Resources for Halloween

    I am so excited about the great resources developed this month for the food allergy community. Below are my Top 3. The first is a tip sheet I was honored to create for Kids with Food Allergies, “Tips to Safely Celebrate Halloween.”  It is a 2-page handout for both home and school and.. read more →