FAACT's Roundtable

We are joined by Carina Venter, PhD — gut diversity expert, researcher, and registered dietitian—to unpack how gut health influences people living with food allergies. She’ll also share insights on using everyday foods as a powerful tool to help prevent food allergies in infants. Resources to keep you in the know: FAACT's Latest Research of Food Allergy Prevention FAACT's What to Do to P...

Making sure kids get the nutrition they need is always important—but for families managing food allergies, it can feel especially challenging when safe food options are limited. We’re joined by FAACT Medical Advisory Board Member, Owner of ALnourished, and Registered Dietitian, Alison Cassin, MS, RD, LD, to talk about how to meet essential nutritional needs, smart ways to swap ingredients, and whe...

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) represents one of the most promising treatments for individuals living with food allergies. Yet, beyond clinical studies, the true story lies in what families experience every day while undergoing OIT. Joining us is FAACT’s Medical Advisory Board Director and board-certified allergist, Dr. Shahzad Mustafa , who will help us explore OIT in everyday life — from its practical...

Children in early childhood education programs are among the youngest and most vulnerable when it comes to food allergies. To address this critical gap, a dedicated group of professionals created the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative. Today, we’re joined by Thomas Silvera —founder of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation and a founding partner of the Collaborative, as is FAACT's CEO, Eleanor Ga...

In our last conversation with Amanda Whitehouse, PhD , she shared her mission of helping patients and caregivers move beyond food allergy anxiety, fear, and trauma so they can truly live whole and joyful lives. She also touched on the fascinating role the nervous system plays in that healing process. Today, we’re joined by licensed psychologist, Dr. Whitehouse , who’s here to take us on a deeper d...

Food allergy accommodations don’t stop at the classroom door—they extend into workplaces, public spaces, and even stadiums. But what rights do you actually have? Today, we’re joined by FAACT’s General Counsel, Amelia Smith, JD , to break it all down and help you understand your civil rights. Resources to keep you in the know: FAACT's Accommodations Resource Center FAACT's Civil Rights Ad...

FAACT’s Vice President of Inclusion Initiatives, Aleasa Word , recently wrote a powerful piece reminding us that no two people experience food allergies the same way. We’re honored to have Aleasa with us to explore a fresh perspective—one that not only captures the lived experience of food allergies, but also sparks greater empathy, awareness, and understanding in the communities around us. Resour...

After the heartbreaking loss of their son Oakley, his family turned their grief into action—founding Red Sneakers for Oakley , a nonprofit that has since grown into a powerful movement dedicated to saving lives through food allergy education and awareness. Today, we’re joined by Executive Director, Lindsey Spangler, to learn more about this inspiring organization, the programs making a difference,...

After her daughter Adina suffered a serious allergic reaction to a medication containing her allergen, one family decided to take action. Today, we’ll hear from Adina’s mom and food allergy advocate, Jennifer Toga l, about the proposed federal legislation named in her honor — the ADINA Act. We’ll explore what this bill means for allergy communities nationwide… and how you can join the movement. Re...

We’re joined by Betsy Craig , CEO and founder of MenuTrinfo and creator of the first Certified Free From Allergen Program. Learn how her groundbreaking work is making food shopping safer and more transparent for those with allergies. Resources to keep you in the know: Certified Free From Allergen Certification Program CFF Approved Products (SKU's) - Product Finder CFF Trusted Brands  Request...

Living with food allergies can be overwhelming—but it doesn't have to control your life. In this episode, licensed psychologist Amanda Whitehouse, PhD, shares practical tools to manage food allergy anxiety and trauma. Learn how to help you or your family feel safe, confident, and empowered every day. Resources to keep you in the know: Amanda Whitehouse, PhD - Website Don’t Feed the Fear Podca...

If your student is exploring colleges—or you’re just starting to look ahead—you’re in the right place. Today, Caroline Moassessi , FAACT's VP of Community Relations, will talk about starting the college search when food allergies are in the mix. She'll share two essential checklists from FAACT's College Resource Center—one for parents and one for students—to help you work together a...

We're exploring FAACT's College Resource Center to show you how to make the most of everything it offers. FAACT's Vice President of Community Relations, Caroline Moassessi, will discuss how you can help your student explore college options and prepare to start—or return to—college life. But we’re not just talking about packing bags and picking dorms. We’re tackling the critical, oft...

It is back-to-school time, and we’re sitting down with FAACT’s General Counsel and VP of Civil Rights Advocacy, Amelia G. Smith, JD, to explore the basics of accommodations and how to prepare for the path to success. She will cover why accommodations are essential while providing must-know tips! Resources to keep you in the know: FAACT’s Accommodations Resource Center FAACT's Civil Rights Adv...

There are times when we must face hard and often stressful health-related food allergy situations, such as oral food challenges, immunotherapy, using epinephrine, and at-home self-administration of treatments. Although the outcomes may be excellent, we need extra tools to tackle these situations. We are privileged to learn more from  Lisa Lombard, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and former R...

Influencer, content creator, and founder of xHealth Studio, Jenna Gestetner, shares how she tackles sharing her personal health information while fulfilling her goal of helping others. Jenna authentically shares her life with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) , food allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Resources to keep you in the know: JennaXHe...

We learn how one organization, the Food Allergy Fund , is tackling the food allergy conundrum through specific research funding. Focusing on the root cause of food allergies, the Food Allergy Fund is a unique part of our food allergy community, making a significant impact. The Fund's Founder and CEO, Ilana Golant , joins us to discuss their current research, the annual Innovation and Investme...

Food allergy and airline advocate, speaker, and change maker, Lianne Mandelbaum, Founder of No Nut Traveler, updates us on the latest food allergy and airline news. Lianne will discuss how you can share your airline travel challenges and successes while helping the food allergy community.   Resources to keep you in the know: No Nut Traveler Share Your Story File a Complaint Grassroots Army You can...

We’re diving into the world of mast cell diseases, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this condition. Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, or a caregiver, this conversation, led by Jessica Fraser, Executive Director of the Mast Cell Disease Society , will guide you on how to find resources, support, and community.  Resources to keep you in the know: The Mast...

This podcast explores Mast Cell Disease, and we're learning more about this disease directly from someone living with it. Our guest, Rachael Rose , is a patient living with Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis . She will share her journey from diagnosis to daily living with this condition. Resources to keep you in the know: Systemic Mastocytosis - All Variants (TMS for A Cure) You can find FAACT&ap...

We’re learning about Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) with Dr. Nathan Boggs , Allergy Division Director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, whose research focuses on SM. Dr. Boggs shares more about understanding symptoms, if you may have SM, and how to support people living with it. Resources to keep you in the know: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) - Systemic Masto...

We’re learning how to navigate a hospital stay when you have food allergies from a food allergy patient, parent, advocate, and chef who operated a hospital kitchen for over eight years. Martha Morgan, Founder and Owner of Allergy Dragon , helps us learn about how hospital kitchens operate and critical tips for staying safe during a hospital stay.   Resources to keep you in the know: Allergy Dragon...

We’re exploring new California food allergy-related legislation with change-maker Robyn Huey Lao, who is a nurse practitioner, mother of 9-year-old food allergy advocate Addie, and the patient advocate leading the charge for California SB 68: ADDE, which stands for Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences. Robyn shares how passion and necessity turned an average family into advocates working to...

Section 504 has opened doors for millions of students with disabilities, including those managing food allergies. Today, we are discussing an exciting new campaign focused on Celebrating Section 504 and how you can help raise awareness for Food Allergy Awareness Month and Week! We’re sitting with FAACT’s General Counsel and Vice President of Civil Rights Advocacy, Amelia Smith, JD . We discuss how...

In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Month, we’re sitting down with Tara Gilad, a mover and shaker in our food allergy community. Tara is a co-owner and co-founder of the Vitality Bowl Franchise, and we learn more about what inspires her and how she engages with the food allergy community. Resources to keep you in the know: Vitality Bowls About Vitality Bowls (Co-founders) Vitality Bowls on Instagra...