This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Food Allergy Summit in Washington, DC. It was incredible to connect with so many people passionate about supporting the food allergy community, and I was thrilled to showcase “The Allergy-Friendly Cookbook”. I’m also excited to share that my cookbook will soon be available on Target.com!
Meeting Innovative Food Companies
One of the highlights of the summit was meeting some fantastic food companies dedicated to providing allergy-friendly products. It was inspiring to see their commitment to creating safe and delicious foods for those managing food allergies. Here are a few companies I had the pleasure of connecting with:
- Free2b: Their products are made without the top 9 allergens and additional ingredients like coconut, mustard, and added sulfites. The chocolate treats are also free from corn. The Sun Cups are our favorite! Find them on Instagram at @free2bfoods.
- The Greater Knead: This brand specializes in top 9 allergen free and gluten-free bagels, pretzel bites, and bagel chips that taste just as amazing as their traditional counterparts. It may sound crazy to you, but my son has never had a bagel due to his allergies until this past weekend! This is the only company that I know of that have bagels that are top 9 allergen free. Find them on Instagram at @glutenfreebagel.
- Vermont Nut Free Chocolates: Known for their nut-free chocolate treats, they make it easy to enjoy these sweets without worry. Their facility is free from peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, shellfish and fish. They do have products with dairy and soy, so please read labels carefully. We have a soy allergy and purchase their soy-free options multiple times a year without issue. Find them on Instagram @vermontnutfree.
- Every Body Eat: This is a new company for us and it has savory snack options, which is very exciting! They have their own manufacturing facility free from gluten, dairy, nuts, fish, soy, egg, sesame, wheat and corn. We tried the cheese-less thins and they were a hit! Find them on Instagram @everybody_eating.
These companies are truly leading the way in the allergy-friendly space.
Delicious Top 9 Allergen Free Food Options for Attendees
One thing that stood out to me was the impressive array of food options that FARE made available at the summit. Everything was top 9 allergen-free, ensuring that everyone attending could eat safely and enjoy the event. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was available and the selection was diverse and delicious, making it a stress-free experience for all.
Family Fun: The Silent Disco Pajama Party
The summit wasn’t just about food and education—there was plenty of fun, too! One of the most popular activities was the Silent Disco Pajama Party for the kids. It was heartwarming to see children dancing and having a blast in a safe and welcoming environment. Events like these remind us that managing food allergies doesn’t mean missing out on joy and connection. Our son even said this was one of his favorite vacations:)
Educational Sessions: A Wealth of Knowledge
Although I was busy as an exhibitor and couldn’t attend the educational sessions, the summit offered a wealth of knowledge through various sessions and speakers. Some of the topics covered included:
- Educational sessions that spoke to advancements in food allergy research, education, and advocacy
- Discussions on topics such as food allergy innovations, advocating for solutions, food labels, and living with food allergies
- Guest speakers on topics such as the microbiome, the rise of food allergies, and diagnostic breakthroughs
- Sessions for teens that talk about dating and going to college
These sessions are designed to provide up-to-date information and resources for those affected by food allergies, and I highly recommend them for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge.
Why You Should Attend the Food Allergy Summit
Whether you or a loved one is affected by food allergies or you are a healthcare professional, the Food Allergy Summit is an incredible event to consider attending. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about the latest developments in allergy management, and discover new products that make life easier. Plus, it’s a fun environment for the whole family, with activities and treats designed for everyone!
I left the summit feeling inspired and more connected to this incredible community. If you ever have the chance to attend, I strongly encourage you to go—you won’t regret it! Next year, will be in Arlington, VA!
Ready to Take the Next Step in Food Allergy Management?
If you or a loved one is navigating life with food allergies, I’d love to help support you on your journey. Whether you’re looking for 1:1 guidance on allergy-friendly meal planning, need help managing food allergies in day-to-day life, or have questions about nutrition, I’m here to assist.
Additionally, if you’re a healthcare professional or part of the food allergy community and want to collaborate, I’m always open to working together to create a safer and more inclusive environment for those living with food allergies.
Reach out to me today to learn more about my services or how we can work together!
