RE-release 2010 WNY FOOD ALLERGY SURVEY

Food allergies are on the rise in the United States. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, greater than 12 million Americans suffer from life threatening food allergies. Agencies like the Center for Disease control are publishing general statistics, such as “From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18% among children under age 18 years,” however more specific, local data would be helpful in assessing the seriousness of the growing problem. Charity Vogel, from the Buffalo News has offered to champion this effort by releasing an article in the paper on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 to assist us in gathering our data. She has a close family member with a food allergic child and finds our organization to be near to her heart. http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/19/1024174/parents-hope-survey-will-zero.html

Food Allergy Support Services, Inc., a local non-profit group dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Food Allergies and elevating awareness and understanding in the community, is releasing the 2010 Food Allergy Survey. This survey is the first of its kind to compile statistics about local Food Allergy sufferers. “We would like to know how many families are affected in the area, what types of allergies are most prevalent locally and what type of services would be most beneficial to our Food Allergy Families. This is a great way to bring the families together for support,” quoted Christine Popek, founder of Food Allergy Support Services, Inc.

The survey is open from February 1, 2010 through March 15, 2010. The results will be used to develop programs and further public awareness of this growing epidemic. To complete the survey, please go to: http://cleanoutthepantry.org/surveys/. Information regarding results will be displayed on the site during Food Allergy Awareness Week, May 9th through 15th, 2010.

 Thank you. We look forward to your comments and tallying the results.