FAAW Toolkit Sample Letter to Schools
Dear [name],
As a [parent/guardian/community member] [of a student] (if applicable) at [school name], I am writing to inquire about the school’s plans to recognize Food Allergy Awareness Week, which this year is observed from Sunday, May 10, to Saturday, May 16. I want to help promote food allergy awareness using resources from FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the food allergy community through research, advocacy, and education.
Food allergy impacts more than 33 million individuals in the United States. It is a disease, not a diet. One in 13 children, or an average of two students per typical-size classroom, have food allergy. Food Allergy Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to emphasize the seriousness of food allergies and to advocate for a school environment that is supportive for all students.
Food allergy reactions can be life-threatening, which makes education about recognition, treatment, and management essential. Kids with food allergies may sometimes feel isolated or singled out—perhaps they can't eat pizza at a party or don’t get to participate in a science experiment that uses their allergen. Raising awareness among students is a key step toward helping everyone feel safer. Research shows that roughly one in three children with food allergy experiences bullying related to their allergy.
Through education and awareness, students can learn to empathize and help build a more welcoming school environment. I would like to discuss potential ways that parents and the community could assist the school in organizing food allergy awareness initiatives. Examples include:
- Having students wear the color teal, which represents food allergy awareness.
- Sharing educational materials provided by FARE.
- Discussing the importance of not sharing food and good handwashing practices.
- Individualized activities for various grades including games, art projects, etc.
The resources offered by FARE demonstrate that food allergy awareness activities are beneficial to the school community, while being fun and engaging for everyone. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to students. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if sending a hard copy)
[Your Typed Name]
[Parent/Guardian] of [Student's Name] (if applicable)