You’re Brave, You’re Smart, and You’ve Got This!
Having a food allergy doesn’t stop you from doing awesome things. Let’s learn how to stay safe — together.
Did You Know?
Your food allergy makes you a super-reader and a super-asker!
Kids with food allergies learn to read labels, ask good questions, and speak up for themselves — skills that most grown-ups are still learning!
What’s Happening Inside Your Body?
When you eat a food you’re allergic to, your body thinks it’s something dangerous — like a germ. So it tries to fight it. That fight is what makes you feel sick.
That’s why even a tiny, tiny bit of the food can cause a big reaction. It’s not your fault — your body is just trying to protect you, but it’s making a mistake.
The Big 9 — the most common food allergies
Three Things You Can Do
You’re learning to take charge of your own safety — and that’s amazing.
Skill 1
Know your allergens
Learn the names of the foods that can make you sick. Practice saying them so you can tell any adult, anywhere.
Skill 2
Say 'no thank you' to unknown food
If someone offers you food and you're not sure what's in it, it's always okay to say 'no thank you' — even if they're being nice.
Skill 3
Ask an adult before you eat
Before eating anything new — at school, at a friend's house, or at a party — ask a trusted adult to check if it's safe for you.
What If You Feel Sick?
Sometimes, even when you’re careful, you might accidentally eat something that makes you feel sick. Here’s exactly what to do:
Tell an adult right away
Don't wait and hope it goes away. Tell a teacher, parent, or any grown-up near you that you feel sick and you have a food allergy.
Show them your medicine
If you carry an EpiPen or medicine, show them where it is. They can help you use it.
Sit or lie down
Don't run around or try to keep playing. Stay still and let the adult help you.
Stay calm — help is coming
It's scary to feel sick, but adults know what to do. An ambulance can come very fast if you need it.
Asking for help is always the right thing to do.
You’re not being a bother. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being brave by telling someone you need help — and that keeps you safe.
Your Allergy Kit
These are things you should always have with you — at school, on trips, and at friends’ houses.
Your EpiPen or medicine (always where an adult can help you reach it)
A safe snack in your backpack — so you always have something you can eat
A card or tag that lists your allergies (in case an adult needs to know quickly)
The words to say: 'I have a food allergy to ___. Can you help me check if this is safe?'
A Message Just for You
“I know it’s hard sometimes. I know it’s not fun to be the kid who can’t eat the birthday cupcakes or has to sit at a different table during snack time.
But here’s what I want you to know: having a food allergy doesn’t make you different in a bad way. It makes you someone who knows how to be careful, how to ask smart questions, and how to take care of yourself.
And that? That makes you pretty awesome.”
— From the Allergy Ally team