#30 Racial and economic disparities in food allergies, interview with Emily Brown

How do disparities (racial and economic) impact people with food allergies?

Dr. G and Kortney explore disparities in food allergies with Emily Brown, the founder of Food Equality Initiative. Emily shares her story of food allergies and food insecurity, and how this impacts so many Americans. 

Emily started Food Equality Initiative (FEI) to ensure that no mom has to feel like she did when she first stepped into a food pantry and could not find any safe options for her family. 

FEI’s mission: Improve health and end hunger in individuals diagnosed with food allergies and celiac disease through access to safe and healthy food, nutrition, education and advocacy.

What we covered on this episode:

• Why Emily started Food Equality Initiative and her journey into becoming an allergy mom.
• The role of family support in food allergy management.
• Food disparities and food insecurity - what does this mean.
• Why there is no shame in asking for help.
• American food programmes: WIC, SNAP (supplemental nutrition program).
• The struggles food allergy families may face at food banks and pantries. 
• How you can benefit from FEI or get involved.
• Since avoidance of allergens is the only treatment, access to safe food is therefore also the treatment. Emily and FEI are working to make safe food covered by insurance.
• Asthma and food allergy disparities - how they are linked.
• Why doctors need to screen for food insecurity.

Helpful resources:

• Emily’s open letter to the food allergy community
• #ForTheHealth: Ending food allergy healthcare disparities series hosted by FEI
• Infographic of the impact of food allergies on a food budget