Clean Out The Pantry http://cleanoutthepantry.org Help for people and families with food allergies Mon, 06 May 2013 14:23:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Food Allergy Awereness Week 2013 http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/05/06/food-allergy-awereness-week-2013/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/05/06/food-allergy-awereness-week-2013/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 14:23:06 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=905 Food Allergy Awareness Week is May 12-18!

Red Robin is holding their Food Allergy Awareness Night with an added bonus this year- they will donate 10% back to FARE!!! Please visit the Amherst location on Monday Night and OP on Tuesday! A Food Allergy Awareness flyer, attached below is necessary to participate! http://www.gbfoodallergy.org/

FARE Red Robin Amherst 2013 FARE Red Robin OP 2013

And secondly, we are supporting a $1 for jeans day (or wear a blue shirt day) during FAAW – Friday is my favorite day, but the choice is yours. Have your office or organization dress to impress for FAAW. All proceeds will support the FARE Walk on August 10th at Delaware Park. http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1061804

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/05/06/food-allergy-awereness-week-2013/feed/ 0 FARE Requests Input on Threshold Levels http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/fare-requests-input-on-threshold-levels/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/fare-requests-input-on-threshold-levels/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 02:50:59 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=896 The Food Allergy Research and Education Organization notified us of the FDA’s request for public comment on two significant topics:
1.) whether the FDA can safely establish threshold levels for major food allergens. And separately,
2.) the FDA is seeking public comment on its proposed rule –required by the Food Safety Modernization Act –on preventive controls (including food allergen controls) within the fanufacturing industry.

Instructions for submitting your comments can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm331942.htm

Subsequently, FARE has asked for survey participants on this topic. Please follow this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C25NVH8

Thank you for your time as we continue to hope for answers.

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/fare-requests-input-on-threshold-levels/feed/ 0 Updated -Allergy “Friendly” Food Manufacturers http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/allergy-friendly-food-manufacturers/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/allergy-friendly-food-manufacturers/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:21:40 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=222 Below is a list of food allergy “friendly”  food manufacturers I have compiled over time. Some are all top 8 free, others are only one or more – please do your research!  And feel free to make additions!

 I recently received an email from Kids With Food Allergies with a link to several of them: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=121&title=new_allergy-friendly_food_products_fall_2008

I am publishing this list prior to adding all the web addresses, because it’s a long list & I’m sure with the holidays already upon us, it will come in handy!!!!

  • Vermont Nut Free
  • Divvies
  • Clabber Girl
  • Whey Out Chocolate
  • Meraby
  • Cookies for Me
  • Peanut Free Planet
  • Amanda’s Own
  • Ian’s Natural Foods
  • Simple Food
  • Enjoy Life
  • Vinta
  • Ok Brownie
  • French Meadow
  • Allergaroo
  • Bobo Kids
  • Ener-G
  • Pamela’s Simplebites
  • Sharkies Inc.
  • Yummy Earth
  • St. Clairs
  • Crispy Green
  • Just Tomatoes
  • Good Health Natural Foods
  • Heartland’s Finest
  • 123 Gluten Free
  • French Meadow
  • Newman’s Own
  • Pure Fun
  • S Better Farms
  • Gillian’s Foods http://glutenfreegilliansfoods.com
  • Philly Swirl Ice Cream Company
  • Lucy’s www.drlucys.com (find us at Starbucks!)

Tootsie Roll
Dum Dums
Andes Candies
Spangler candy canes
Junior Mints

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2013/01/31/allergy-friendly-food-manufacturers/feed/ 2 Happy 5th Birthday Food Allergy Support Services http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/10/24/happy-5th-birthday-food-allergy-support-services/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/10/24/happy-5th-birthday-food-allergy-support-services/#comments Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:46:41 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=887 I cannot believe it has been 5 years since we began this website! It has been quite the journey. Our mission has been to support individuals and families affected by food allergies and elevate awareness and understanding in the community.

Five years ago we were just beginning to understand the gravity of food allergies. It was our first Halloween, our first “Food Season.”

We skipped trick or treating those first couple years and have since come along way! My son is now 6, not the meek, silent one year old he was then. He is a smart, confident, responsible little boy who understands his limitations and manages them daily. His brother is by his side protecting him as well! As a family, we have so much more experience under our belt, travels, adventures, friends and school! We have met some excellent supporters along the way and applaud their efforts!

We continue to face some challenges as we stray from our every day routine, however we have learned to be flexible and always have an alternate plan. Currently, dining out seems to pose our greatest challenge. Holiday meals are right around the corner and for many FA families, they feel left out. We are hard at work behind the scenes to expand our local options through education.

Channel 2, thank you for your help!

Happy Halloween everyone and Happy Birthday FASS!

If you have a moment please look us up on Facebook, Food Allergy Support Services.

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/10/24/happy-5th-birthday-food-allergy-support-services/feed/ 0 Employee Donation Matching Plans http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/04/14/employee-donation-matching-plans/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/04/14/employee-donation-matching-plans/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:45:08 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=875 Thank you to the employees of National Fuel for adding us to their donation matching plan and choosing Food Allergy Support Services as their donor agency!

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2012/04/14/employee-donation-matching-plans/feed/ 0 Toronto 2011 http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/09/15/toronto-2011/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/09/15/toronto-2011/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:23:25 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=841 I never imagined spending our holidays in Toronto, but with a peanut allergy we are enjoying our new found freedom.

Thanks to our friend at avoidingmilkprotein.com, we have traversed the city in search of peanut free confections! Last summer we tried to find Loostsalicious, the peanut free ice cream parlor. To our dismay it was closed, however we hopped back in our minivan to visit Richman’s Bakery. We overindulged on cookies, cakes, breads, muffins, cupcakes, donuts- did I miss anything?

This summer we had the pleasure of overindulging in The Cupcake Shoppe’s delicious cupcakes. The kids’ favorite was the gumball topped cupcake! Mine was the chocolate chip cookie dough flavored cake with matching frosting!

In addition to cupcakes we purchased chocolate confections at Lollicakes, an adorable little shop in a section of Toronto called Davisville. When we return for chocolates, I will most certainly build in time to shop around this great neighborhood!

But beyond sweet treats we have found some great restaurants and attractions. Most recently we dined at Live and Breathe, aka L.A.B. an up and coming Toronto gastronomic hit! The chef/owner and staff are very friendly, preparing fresh, seasonal, “molecular gastronomy” to excite the taste buds! They provided us with an exceptional meal and were extremely accommodating of our allergy.

Pizzaria Rustica is another allergy friendly establishment, with 2 locations near the Rogers Center. Their pesto is void of nuts and they have gluten free options available.

I also subscribe to “Toronto for Kids,” a great weekly enewsletter highlghting weekly family events in Toronto.

We have had some great adventures in Toronto! It is about what we CAN do!

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/09/15/toronto-2011/feed/ 1 Android Apps Help with Food Allergies http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/08/03/android-apps-help-with-food-allergies/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/08/03/android-apps-help-with-food-allergies/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:44:36 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=832 I was cruising through the grocery store looking to change up our menu and stumbled across the allergen and nutrition info available from scanlife. I customized the page to specify whether our particular allergens were present. It made quick work of determining safe products and it sure beats calling manufacturers from the grocery aisle and dropping calls!

Scanlife is available at the android appstore.

Please feel free to share your favorite apps and stories here!

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/08/03/android-apps-help-with-food-allergies/feed/ 1 Food Allergy Awareness Week 2012 http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/04/11/food-allergy-awareness-week-2011/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/04/11/food-allergy-awareness-week-2011/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:47:49 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=828 FAAW is fast approaching! This year it will be celebrated from May 13-19!

 

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/04/11/food-allergy-awareness-week-2011/feed/ 0 Food Allergy Disney! http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/02/25/food-allergy-disney/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/02/25/food-allergy-disney/#comments Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:04:49 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=823 No matter what your Disney and dining pleasure, the Magical world of Disney can accommodate it. Your magical journey begins with your Disney Reservation. Be sure to mention your food allergy, request a microwave and a special cleaning of your room. Most rooms come with a refrigerator. Remember, special requests are their specialty.

The next step in your magical journey is with dining reservations, 407-WDW-DINE, and notifying the agent of your special dietary restrictions.  The agent will direct you to contact Special Diets at 407-939-3463 or SpecialDiets@DinseyWorld.com to coordinate your dietary needs with your hotel chef and with the chefs at your specific reserved locations. The Special Diets department is fantastic!

Special Diets will send forms to your email address requesting a list of each of your reservations, the number in your party and the specific special dietary requirements. They will also provide you with a list of quick service restaurants available to accommodate special dietary requirements. Within a short period of time, the majority of the chefs will contact you by telephone to discuss your needs and accommodations. They will also leave their direct phone number in the event of further questions or needs up to and during your Magical stay.

It may also be reassuring to contact the chefs a couple days before each reservation to confirm your reservations and ensure there are no surprises, such as changes to menu items available on a buffet line.  An insider tip: try to make reservations early in the meal service. Restaurants can more easily accommodate during off meal times.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, notify the host/hostess of your allergies and request to speak to the chef. Typically as with any restaurant, the busier the restaurant, the longer the wait to speak to a chef. In our experience, the buffets had the longest wait for a chef and the greatest opportunity for cross contamination.  Whereas the restaurants preparing all their meals from scratch were the most accommodating and the most knowledgeable. For example, our food allergy is peanuts; some restaurants thought the Mickey Macaroni and the child’s pizza dough were unsafe, while others considered them safe. We found this disconcerting considering the typical children’s menu offerings at the majority of restaurants was Mickey Mac n’ Cheese, Personal Pizza, or Chicken Nuggets for both lunch and dinner. Over the length of your stay, you may want to present your children with some variety, which can be better accommodated at scratch restaurants. The restaurants specializing in items from scratch have the ability to prepare exciting dishes that were not on the menu, in a safe, healthy and delicious manner!  No matter where a food allergy family goes, they need to be within their own comfort level. 

Within your own hotel, get to know your dining manager. They can introduce you to the chef in your hotel’s quick service restaurant, assisting with alternatives to the typical children’s fare. Also ask for their input on substitutions to the meal plan. Most meals come with an entrée, drink and dessert – the dessert can be substituted with an additional bottle of water or to satisfy a sweet tooth, Divvies (www.divvies.com) products may be available at the venue.

For quick service dining within a park, consider dining at off times. For example, lunch service begins at 11:30. Arriving early allows for time to avoid the lines, get a manager’s attention, review the ingredient binder, order and eat by noon.  A little pre-planning is very helpful, make sure to print out the maps online and highlight the safe restaurants in order to be in the right place at meal times.

Another thing to consider within the park is that all straws are unwrapped. Disney takes great pride in cleanliness, paper and plastic wrappers cause a great deal of litter. However, straws at the hotel are probably wrapped, so grab a few of those and maybe some pre-wrapped plastic ware to carry with you through the park.  Depending upon how hot the weather is, it may become necessary to buy a slush or soda.

The most important tip of all is to have FUN!!!! Enjoy the magic that is Disney.

]]> http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2011/02/25/food-allergy-disney/feed/ 0 The Parent Network of WNY http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2010/11/12/the-parent-network-of-wny/ http://cleanoutthepantry.org/2010/11/12/the-parent-network-of-wny/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:06:21 +0000 peanutmom http://cleanoutthepantry.org/?p=817 Parent Network of WNY is a community resource for families of individuals with special needs and for professionals who work with these families, Parent Networks, goals is to empower families to successfully advocate for their children with special needs and to see that they received proper care and education by offering seminars, workshops, conferences and information and referral services and resources. Parent Network is designated as a Community Parent Resource Center, funded through the US Department of Education under the IDEA and a Technical Assistance Parent Center, funded through the NYS Education Department.

Please visit them on the web at www.parentnetworkwny.org and www.facebook.com/ParentNetwork

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