Allergy-Safe Adventures: Thriving Through Summer and Back-to-School Transitions

“Vitamin Sea & Allergy Free”

The summer is a season filled with excitement and for many—this is a time for travel, relaxation, and back-to-school preparation. However, summertime can be more stressful than relaxing when navigating food allergies. 

Summer’s biggest moments often happen around food—from BBQs and street vendors to amusement parks and soccer camps. But for individuals with food allergies, these occasions can come with added pressure, precautions, and planning. Managing food safety in public spaces isn’t just about what you eat; it’s about how you prepare. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, these moments can be both safe and joyful.

When heading out to eat—whether it’s at a new restaurant or a bustling outdoor event—managing food allergies starts with thoughtful preparation. No matter where you go, it is important to carry your epinephrine in a protective, temperature-safe case that suits your activity—whether that’s a purse, medical pouch, or insulated cooler bag. In addition to packing epinephrine, staying safe additionally requires clear communication; talk to restaurant staff or food vendors ahead of time, ask direct questions, and be open about your dietary restrictions. Furthermore, calling ahead, asking for ingredient lists, and clearly explaining your allergies can help prevent confusion and promote allergy safety. Don’t be afraid to inquire further and ask for all the information you need in order to feel safe and feel comfortable! Fortunately, this process can become second nature with time, practice, and a commitment to following safe habits. 

At large venues such as sports games, amusement parks, or concerts, one of the most effective steps is to check with Guest Services or event management for an allergen list from vendors before making a purchase. This proactive approach ensures you can identify the safest options available. When reviewing menus or ingredient lists, don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions or adjustments. Many venues are willing to accommodate, whether that means swapping out a hot dog bun for a safer alternative or mixing and matching menu components to create a safe option. Asking questions, proposing alternatives, and staying flexible can turn what might feel like a stressful dining experience into an enjoyable one. Over time, these habits build confidence and make navigating public dining spaces both safer and more enjoyable.

Summer adventures can be even more enjoyable when you build in activities and routines that naturally reduce your allergy risk. Planning an outing with friends? Suggest an allergy-friendly picnic at a local park where you can control the menu and preparation, or organize a “safe snack swap” where everyone brings pre-packaged items with clear labels. For day trips, it can be helpful to choose destinations that allow outside food so you can bring a meal you trust—many beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor theaters welcome packed coolers or baskets. In the case you find yourself at an event with unpredictable food options, focus first on activities that aren’t centered around eating, like exploring exhibits, riding attractions, or joining games. Then enjoy a safe meal later in a setting you’ve planned. By weaving these small, intentional choices into your summer plans, you create more room for fun and connection while keeping safety at the forefront.
 

“Jet Lag & Juice Boxes”

Even as the school year approaches, travel doesn’t take a break—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a holiday trip, or a spontaneous adventure, safe journeys matter year-round.

The early morning tranquility. The mid-day rush. The late night slump. Regardless of the time of day, airports brim with life. Even if everything is running smoothly—planes are set to take off at their intended times, people are not forgotten, lost, or late for boarding, and all pieces of luggage are secure—everyone always seems to be rushing. This hectic environment can be more than overwhelming, and for those with food allergies, this poses an added layer of anxiety. 

Before even boarding the plane, travelers with food allergies must carefully navigate the potentially hectic airport environment. Although most of the focus is on airplane meals when it comes to allergy safety, sometimes the airport beforehand can be riskier, especially if you're feeling tired or rushing between gates. In this case, packing a full allergy-safe meal in a carry-on—or even just a few sealed snacks—can bring peace of mind and provide a backup option in case of delays or unexpected changes. 

Carrying an allergist’s letter to show security if needed is also incredibly useful. (In addition to the airport setting, this can be especially helpful later in the trip, when visiting monuments or attractions that don’t allow outside food.) Eating your own food before boarding or between flights can significantly reduce stress and help maintain safety during travel.

If your flight is delayed and you feel comfortable exploring in-airport dining options, it’s important to double-check not just ingredients but also the potential for cross-contact and shared equipment. Staff may not always understand the difference between a dish labeled "no peanuts" and one cooked in nut-contaminated oil—particularly with fried foods. The term "allergen-safe" can vary widely, so don’t hesitate to ask about preparation areas and cleaning practices. While most airport restaurants don’t display allergen menus, some will provide them upon request or have them available online, making it worth checking ahead. However, if uncertainty remains, skipping airport dining in favor of sealed snacks from trusted stores is often the safer and less stressful choice.

Once at the gate, many airlines offer early boarding for passengers with food allergies. This extra time allows you to thoroughly wipe down your seat area without disturbing other passengers, creating a safer and more comfortable environment. To arrange early boarding, simply speak with the gate agent or the staff at the ticket counter before your flight. 

Dining in-air can pose a whole other set of challenges. If choosing to have airplane food, it’s strongly recommended to inform the airline of your allergy well in advance so they can prepare a safe meal and reduce the risk of a reaction. 

Different airlines have varying dining policies, so researching ahead to find those that cater to allergies is essential. For example, United does not serve peanuts, but like many other airlines, they cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, since passengers may bring their own food on board. If there is any doubt about the safety of the airline meal, it is always best to bring personal food. To be extra cautious, sanitizing the seat, tray table, and TV screen before use can help minimize exposure. Ultimately, personal vigilance is key to staying safe.

Beyond the challenges of dining at airports and on planes, finding allergy-safe options once you arrive at your destination can be equally complex. Despite the complexities of traveling with food allergies, with thoughtful preparation, careful research, and a bit of vigilance, you can confidently savor a croissant in Paris, explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or relax on a beautiful beach in Hawaii. 

A great place to begin such preparation is by learning about the culture of your travel destination. Understanding local food customs can help with meal planning and navigating dining situations. 

In the case of a language barrier, making allergy cards or learning the word for your allergen is a great way to advocate for yourself away from home. Allergy cards can explain the caution that has to be taken when preparing food and go into detail about cross contamination. Allergy cards that contain words, colors, pictures, and icons can clearly communicate your needs regardless of language differences. 

These cards can be either made or bought. For example, “Select Wisely” offers cards in 25 different languages covering over 40 different foods, while “Equal Eats” provides allergy cards for various food allergens in 49 languages. Additionally, FARE offers interactive PDF templates for creating personalized allergy cards, and online vendors such as Amazon have several good options worth considering. These allergy cards can be used effectively in restaurants or fast-food establishments to help ensure your safety while dining abroad.

Researching local cuisine, understanding common allergens, and identifying trusted restaurants ahead of time are crucial steps for safe and enjoyable meals abroad. Many restaurants now publish allergen menus online, and looking up places known for handling allergies well can save time and stress. Calling ahead to speak with staff is another effective way to ensure a restaurant is trustworthy. 

However, if dining out feels too risky or uncomfortable—especially with language barriers—it’s often a better option to book accommodations with a kitchen, such as an Airbnb, so meals can be prepared safely.  

When grocery shopping overseas, tools like the Google Translate app, which can translate food labels via photo, are incredibly helpful for navigating unfamiliar ingredients. Additional safety measures include knowing the location of the nearest hospital, emergency contact numbers, and carrying a small bag with cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, and necessary medications.
 

“Books, Bites and Backpacks”

Back-to-school season means more than just buying supplies and setting schedules—especially for families navigating food allergies. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off to elementary school, or a student yourself in middle school, high school, or even college, a new school year brings new challenges. For those managing food allergies, these challenges can feel even heavier. But don’t worry! With the right preparation and mindset, you can set yourself up for a safe, confident, and successful year.

A great first step is to connect with your doctor over the summer for updated allergy action plans and prescriptions. Then, schedule a meeting with your school nurse before school begins to discuss allergy management, medication storage, and emergency response protocols. Use this time also to meet with teachers, guidance counselors, and kitchen staff to talk about lunchroom policies, allergy-specific tables, snack restrictions, and other accommodations that can help prevent accidental exposure.

Once you have your class schedule, be sure to email your teachers to inform them about your allergy. If you eat school-provided lunch, connect directly with the cafeteria staff—especially the head of the kitchen—to learn which foods are safe. Don’t forget extracurricular activities; let the teachers or coaches know about your allergy, since snacks or food may be offered during those times too. And on the first day of school, whether or not you emailed beforehand, remind your teachers about your allergy. This is important because they may plan snack days or parties, and knowing about your allergy helps create a safer, more inclusive classroom environment.

Back-to-School Tips for Every Age Group

Elementary School Students & Parents:
Communication with teachers is essential. Schedule a meeting before school starts to review safety precautions, especially if the child is anaphylactic, has airborne allergies, or is sensitive to touch allergens. Make sure teachers are trained on how to use the child’s specific epinephrine administration system (e.g., Auvi-Q for children, typically blue) and know the symptoms of allergic reactions. Teaching young children about their allergy, recognizing symptoms, and the importance of not sharing food helps build confidence and independence.

Middle School Students:
Welcome to a new chapter! With more independence comes more responsibility. Food allergies can sometimes feel restrictive or frustrating, but there are ways to manage them confidently. Always ask ahead about food plans for parties or events, and if the food isn’t safe, bring your own tasty alternative—like DIY ice cream sundaes! It might feel embarrassing, but it’s far better than risking a reaction. Also, consider having an “allergy buddy” who knows where your epinephrine is and how to help if needed. These small steps make a big difference.

High School Students:
High school brings more freedom—and with it, more responsibility. Research shows that about 34% of teens with food allergies experience a reaction yearly, and about half of those are anaphylaxis. Teens can sometimes be forgetful or careless, but with serious allergies, vigilance is essential. Always double-check ingredient labels, and ask a trusted friend or adult to help if you’re unsure. Continue to communicate clearly with teachers and school staff about your allergy and where your epinephrine is stored. Packing your own lunch can give you peace of mind and often tastes better than cafeteria food! And at social gatherings, having a buddy who knows how to assist can be lifesaving.

Building Awareness and Community

Raising awareness about food allergies at school benefits everyone. By educating staff and peers, you help create a safer and more inclusive environment. This was the experience of many families who, when facing unprepared schools, became advocates and helped pave the way for future students. Your efforts to communicate and advocate not only protect you but also strengthen your community. 

Starting a new school year with food allergies can feel overwhelming, but preparation, communication, and self-advocacy empower you to face the challenges ahead. Carry your medications, speak up, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. With these steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy a safe, successful, and fun school year!