Coping with food allergies may seem like a daunting task at first. But, luckily for parents, there is an organization that can help. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was founded in 1991 by Anne Muñoz-Furlong. Her infant daughter was diagnosed with a milk and egg allergy, and she wanted to create an organization to help other families who were going through the same trials and tribulations.

According to FAAN’s website, their mission is “To create public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergy and anaphylaxis.”

FAAN has a fourteen member medical advisory board, which includes leaders in food allergy science and medicine. The board approves education materials, so you can be assured that you are getting correct and accurate information.

FAAN has four websites, two of which are devoted to kids. The first site features Alexander the elephant, Lenny the lion, Sally the seal, Sophie the elephant, and Terry the owl. These friendly animals provide educational information on a child’s level. A second site is available just for teens and young adults. The detailed amount of information on all of the FAAN’s websites is simply astounding.

Muñoz-Furlong says it’s completely normal for parents to feel overwhelmed when their child is diagnosed with a food allergy. However, she assures parents, “It does get better!”

She advises that creating a team at your child’s school is a good start to getting everyone on the same page. For example, the principal, teacher, school nurse, cafeteria workers, and anyone else who will be involved with your child are all key players on your child’s team. It’s important to educate yourself, your child, and anyone who will be in contact with your child, as everyone has a role to play in coping with his or her food allergy.

Muñoz-Furlong says planning ahead is very important when traveling or eating at a restaurant. She emphasizes the importance of speaking with a manager or person in charge. Many restaurants and travel destinations are able to accommodate those with food allergies. But, don’t wait until you get there to inquire—call ahead first.

Involving your child early on in the process helps them prepare to manage it on their own as they get older. Don’t focus on foods the child can’t eat, focus on the foods he or she can. FAAN recently published a wonderful cookbook called “Cooking Together -- Allergy-Free Recipes for Parents and Kids.” This cookbook features lots of delicious recipes with easy to read allergy symbols at the top of each recipe.

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Anne Muñoz-Furlong and everyone else involved with FAAN, families coping with food allergies have amazing resources from the click of a mouse to a simple phone call.

FAAN’s toll free number is: (800)929-4040

Links to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network website, and their two websites for kids and young adults appear below.