May is for Food Allergy Awareness & Mental Health Awareness

Since Food Allergy Awareness Month also happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, I decided to compile a list of allergy-friendly resources for anyone who’s finding this stage of the allergy journey particularly tough.

When it comes to food allergies, I can attest to the fact that there are definitely ups and downs. You go from being devastated, to angry, to I’ve got this! — and then one day, it all falls apart again.

But remember: This too shall pass.

And for those days when it all feels just a bit too overwhelming, don’t be ashamed to ask for help — whether that be in a support group, at a therapist’s office, or over drinks with a group of allergy moms.

Hoping this list makes your allergy journey a little easier!

Want information or support? Here you go…

#AllergyMom Meetups (Toronto & Ottawa)
AllergyBites Community
Allergy-friendly restaurants
Carroll Counselling
Food Allergy Canada
No Nuts Mom Group of Ontario, CAN
Parents of Kids with Food Allergies in Toronto/the GTA

Want to attend an allergy-friendly event? Here’s what’s coming up…

May: Turn It Teal
September 22nd: 4th Annual Walk for Andrea
October 6: Tough Nutter
Halloween: 2nd Annual Food-Free Trunk or Treat
April 4-5, 2020: Free From & Allergy-Friendly Expo

Want to know you’re not alone? Check out these blog posts…

As a food allergy mom, here’s why I don’t want to hear about self-care anymore
Death of a dream, birth of an idea
Food allergy parents are no stranger to anxiety
From the Mouth of an Allergy Mom: “The day my world turned upside down…”
How raising a child with food allergies impacts mental health
When it comes to food allergies, it’s all about perspective

Travelling with food allergies? Here are some tools to get you started…

AllergicTraveller
AllergyBites in Ireland
AllergyEats
Allergy Translation
AllergyTravels
AssureTech translation cards

Want to help spread food allergy awareness & empathy?

The Top 10 Challenge (in collaboration with Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation) is actively looking for volunteers. Get in touch for more info, or if you’d like to help out! Or, if you simply want to participate next year, let us know and we’ll add you to our 2020 mailing list.

Want to buy this adorable handmade card for friends & family who’ve gone above and beyond for your allergy kid? You can, right here. 🙂

Alternate message: “I’m there for you.”

P.S. Any awesome resources I forgot to mention? Feel free to share your recommendation(s) in the comments below.

This post was written by AllergyBites founder, Kathleen O’Hagan. Kathleen is a writer, a foodie, and the mom of a toddler with multiple food allergies. Want to help make a difference? Contact Kathleen about volunteering for the Top 10 Challenge fundraiser.