Food Allergy Resources

Tips from Springfield Area Moms

• Check out the following medical alert bracelet for kids who have severe peanut (or other allergies.) Log on to www.americanmedicalid.com. Submitted by Lisa B

• When dropping your child at new events, child care centers, church events or anywhere else they place a name tag on their backs, be sure to write peanut allergy in bold letters right next to their name and on sign-in sheets. Submitted by Christina R.
• Soybutter, Almond Butter & Sunbutter instead of peanut butter: “We have found “soy butter” a great sub for actual peanut butter, and you can use it to make “puppy chow” or “soy butter and jelly” sandwiches etc. and the frequent craft of a pinecone bird feeder.” (Editor’s note: Our family also uses Sunbutter which is made from sunflower seeds.) Submitted by Kim R.
• Teach your kids to read the labels while you grocery shop together so you’re both informed.

Reference Websites

• A Mom with a Mission: Robyn O’Brien launched AllergyKids after her fourth child was diagnosed with food allergies. She has received encouragement from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Erin Brockovich and parents from around the world. Robyn believes that AllergyKids directly impacts the well-being and livelihood of children and their families by creating universal awareness of food allergies, educating the population about the severity of food allergies and the important role that diet can play in healing these children. Read all about food allergies on her Web site: www.AllergyKids.com.
• The Illinois Food Allergy Education Association is a terrific food allergy news source and resource. http://www.illinoisfaea.org