Meet Sam Moses, a children’s author using storytelling to make food allergy easier for little ones to understand. She’s donating a portion of the proceeds from her two books on food allergy to support our cause, and we had the chance to sit down with her to learn more about her journey.
What inspired you to start writing children’s books about food allergy?
Honestly, it all started when I was trying to explain food allergy to my almost 3-year-old daughter. As a food allergy mom, I knew how important it was to help her understand how to stay safe—but I couldn’t find any toddler-friendly books that said exactly what I needed. So, I decided to write one myself! Banjo and the Blueberry Allergy was born out of that moment. I wanted to create something simple, memorable, and comforting for little ones—and hopefully something that other allergy parents could lean on too.
How did your personal journey shape the creation of Banjo and the Blueberry Allergy?
Before becoming a parent, I had no idea how serious food allergy could be. When we got our daughter’s diagnosis, it completely changed how we approached food, meals, and even social situations. It was overwhelming at first—and it often felt like we were on our own. That’s when I started connecting with other allergy parents and organizations like Food Allergy Canada, and their support made such a difference. I knew I wanted to pay that forward by creating a resource that could help families start the conversation with their little ones and feel a little less alone.
What lessons or messages do you hope young readers and their families take away from Banjo’s story?
More than anything, I want kids with food allergy to know they’re brave—and that they’re never alone. Having an allergy doesn’t mean they can’t do all the things they dream of; it might just mean doing them a little differently. With the right tools, support, and awareness, they can absolutely thrive. I also hope families feel encouraged and empowered to start those early conversations in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Why did you choose to support Food Allergy Canada?
When we were first figuring things out, Food Allergy Canada was one of the few places that really helped us make sense of everything. Their resources were clear, practical, and reassuring at a time when we needed it most. There are so many details about food allergy life that people outside the community might not realize—and Food Allergy Canada does an amazing job bridging that gap. Donating part of the book proceeds to support their work just felt like the natural thing to do.
As a parent, what has been most helpful in supporting your family through the food allergy journey?
The food allergy community, hands down. Connecting with other parents who were going through the same thing made such a difference. There’s nothing quite like being able to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from people who really get it. That kind of support helped me feel more confident and less overwhelmed—especially during those early days when everything felt new and uncertain.
What does Food Allergy Canada mean to you personally, and how has it supported your family?
Food Allergy Canada has been such an important resource for us. They don’t just support families like mine—they also help educate schools, caregivers, and the wider community. Their work helps reduce fear and misinformation around food allergy, and that has a ripple effect in keeping everyone safer. I’m so grateful to have had access to their tools and information when we needed guidance.
What advice would you offer to other parents who are newly navigating life with food allergy?
Take a “careful, not fearful” approach. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of anxiety when you’re dealing with something that affects your child’s health every day—but knowledge is power. Educate yourself, educate your child (in age-appropriate ways), and build a strong support system of family, friends, and other allergy parents. You’re not in this alone. And remember—our kids are resilient and brave. Food allergy might change how they do things, but it doesn’t have to stop them from doing anything at all.
Thank you, Sam, for supporting our cause! Please support her work—and ours—by checking out the books and purchasing them for loved ones and friends. Please also help spread the word!
Learn how you can make a difference through giving. Visit our donation page and fundraising page for ideas and give back today.
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