FARE Community Access Program

Tackling Health Disparities in Food Allergy

FARE is committed to reducing health inequities in food allergy, a potentially life-threating disease impacting 32 million Americans. Studies have shown health differences in food allergy that are linked with economic, social, and/or environmental disadvantages among people of color, and inadequate access to specialty care impacts individuals living in many urban and rural communities.

Delivering health education, support, and care in the community setting is a promising strategy to prevent and manage food allergy, particularly in under-resourced communities. Created in 2021, FARE’s Community Access Program (CAP) is now active in Chicago, Ill., Newark, N.J., and Washington, D.C. Work in each community is guided by a volunteer advisory council of caregivers, adults with food allergy, professionals, and community stakeholders. In collaboration with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and others, FARE and its advisory councils build community-based education and awareness activities.

Community Access Program Highlights

Collected insights from nearly 6,000 patients/caregivers from across the country.
Spearheaded the development of a working group on food insecurity and food allergy with the Midwest Allergy Research Initiative and Chicago-based FARE Diversity Scholars.
Held 19 in-person or virtual educational opportunities in CAP communities in 2022.
Reached more than 10,000 students and school staff in the South Ward of Newark through a back-to-school campaign.

To view the 2022 Community Access Program Report

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Community Access Program - Active Locations

Newark, NJ

In 2021, FARE launched the pilot of CAP in the South Ward of Newark, N.J., a medically underserved and socioeconomically diverse community of 21,000 residents—91% of whom are Black and 56% of whom are children living in poverty. More than 20% of households in the South Ward report at least one food allergy. A community health needs assessment showed that accessing life-saving epinephrine, acquiring safe food, and managing food allergy anxiety are top concerns.

FARE is one of South Ward Promise Neighborhood’s 30+ partners in a multi-year U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhood grant.

Washington, D.C.

Clinical research is key to developing new food allergy treatments, prevention strategies and cures, yet Black patients are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, at fewer than 3% of participants in groundbreaking therapy studies. As such, increasing diversity in, and access to, research is vital to improve all patient outcomes.

To help close the research participation gap, FARE is engaging Black adults and children with food allergy in Wards 7 and 8, which encompass the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. The two-year program is funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)*, a nonprofit authorized by Congress to help patients, caregivers, clinicians, employers, insurers, and policymakers make better-informed health decisions. Preliminary data from a community survey indicates that distance to a study site, having a clear understanding of the study purpose and expectations, and whether the doctor speaks to them about the study are the factors most important to patients considering research engagement.

Chicago, IL

In Chicago, FARE and its community partners are bringing food allergy education, awareness, and care to Black and Latino neighborhoods in the South Side.

In collaboration with Mobile Care Chicago and the Midwest Allergy Research Initiative (part of the FARE Clinical Network), the program provides hyper-local access to clinical services. FARE also works closely with trusted community organizations to host information sessions on topics such as nutrition, cooking safe and healthy foods, attending school, and mental wellness. Additionally, allergy-friendly foods are being provided to dozens of families using the Free From Market digital health platform, and nutrition education is offered through our registered dietitian partners.

_{*Program funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EA #22900).}

_{While FARE does not endorse products, we support and appreciate enterprises and organizations that are committed to serving the food allergy community.}

Community Access Program Information Center

Interested in joining our efforts?

Expansion of the Community Access Program to additional disadvantaged communities is central to FARE’s health equity commitment to help make food allergy education, awareness, and resources available to ALL who need them. Partnership and support will be key to enabling FARE to expand the program across urban and rural regions over the next five years.

FARE Community Access Program

Tackling Health Disparities in Food Allergy

Community Access Program Highlights

Interested in joining our efforts?

Community Access Program Partners and Collaborators

To learn more about FARE’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

FARE Resources

Top 9 Allergen Free Thanksgiving Cookbook

Back to School Posters

FARE Food Allergy Guide

Newark Workshop Videos Access

Holiday Recipe Book