Walks for Allergen-Free FARE

Photos/GlutenFreeGardenState

On Sunday, the Gluten Free Garden State family participated in the FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Walk in Ridgewood. It was one of several walks taking place in the past month in New Jersey.


According to FARE, it is the nation’s leading organization working on behalf of the 15 million Americans with a food allergy, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. Its mission is to find a cure for food allergies, and to keep individuals with food allergies safe and included.


Although a person can be allergic to any food, eight foods (milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish) cause 90 percent of all reactions in the U.S., according to FARE. Anyone, at any age, can develop a food allergy, but the impact on children is especially severe.  As is the case with celiac disease, there is no cure, and no standard treatment to prevent food allergy reactions. Strict avoidance of problem foods is the only way to stay safe.

We walked about 3 miles as part of the Soynut Butter with JaM team, which has raised nearly $500 for the cause and is still collecting donations. (Please click here to donate.) The event also featured a DJ entertainer, kids activities and crafts, and vendors giving out information and swag, including epi-pen training devices and snacks from Enjoy Life Foods.