Let Your Compassion Shine

Get Ready for Food Allergy Awareness Week, May 11-17, 2025

The second full week of May is Food Allergy Awareness Week. This is the time to turn up your advocacy and education efforts to show up for those with food allergies. It’s about providing safe spaces for everyone to enjoy delicious, nourishing meals.

Did You Know?

Over 33 million Americans have a serious and potentially life-threatening food allergy.

Every 10 seconds, a food allergy sends a patient to the emergency room.

(source: foodallergy.org)

Nuts are a Top Risk

Nut allergies are among the most common food allergies. Even trace amounts of nuts can trigger severe reactions in those who are allergic.

Share the Facts

Train all staff to understand:

1. Food allergies are considered a disability under multiple federal and state laws.
2. A food allergy is not the same as an intolerance, dietary restriction, or preference. It can be life threatening.
3. It takes the whole staff working in unison to create a positive environment for those with food allergies – people need to know what’s in their food.

Create Safe Spaces

Designate nut-free menus and serving stations for those with peanut and nut allergies. Use a special teal labeling system on menus and grab & go items that are allergy friendly.

Train Servers to Speak Safety

Servers are on the front lines of communication. Emphasize their critical role in translating diners’ allergen-free needs and the specific ingredients in each dish. Remember, that includes potential allergen cross-contamination.

Prevent Spreading Risk

Avoiding nuts reduces the risk of accidental cross-contamination and makes dining safe for people with nut allergies. Use nut-free SunButter® in place of peanut butter and nut butters for extra peace of mind. Switching to SunButter® also provides more vitamins and minerals.

SunButter® is nut-free by nature and nutrient rich, too.

Special Considerations for Schools & Universities

Food allergy awareness is an important part of a student’s education. Foodservice directors are finding creative ways to raise food allergy champions throughout their community. Here are top ideas:

• Host information sessions so all students, families, and staff understand the risks of food allergens, the critical symptoms of allergic reactions to watch for, and emergency response protocols.
• Provide nut-free school lunch packing tips for K-12 families.
• Update menus and cafeteria spaces with clear allergen labeling – embrace the teal with nut-free zones!
• Partner with teachers and student organizations to host fun and engaging activities that build awareness among students.
• Encourage a buddy system, where students looks out for peers with food allergies.