Food Allergy Canada educates, supports, and advocates for the needs of people living with food allergies and the risk of anaphylaxis. We also support and participate in food allergy research.
Over 3 million Canadians are affected by food allergy, that’s 7.5% of the population.
The impact of food allergy is far greater, with an estimated 50% of households being either directly or indirectly affected by food allergy. That means 1-in-2 Canadian households are impacted by food allergy.
We are committed to creating a safer world for people with potentially life-threatening allergies through education, advocacy, and research. Our approach to managing food allergies confidently is focused on self-management, community engagement, understanding, and respect.
Education
We are the leading food allergy education provider in Canada. Our information is medically-reviewed and scientifically-based so you can be confident in the information you receive from us.
Our goal is to provide these resources in English and French for free so that everyone in Canada can benefit.
Some of our resources include:
- AllergyAware.ca training courses for teachers, parents and others
- Webinars
- Easy-to-understand resources for schools, families, and others who support people living with food allergies
- Programs and services for educators, childcare workers, schools, restaurants, food manufacturers, and the community
“When I was first diagnosed, everything was totally new to me. I had to educate myself, and Food Allergy Canada helped me in that journey. I am much more aware and safer thanks to Food Allergy Canada.”
Advocacy
We advocate on the behalf of the 3 million Canadians living with food allergy. Our key focus is on continuing to make a real difference and improve the daily quality of life for the food allergy community.
“Our daughter’s school recently took Food Allergy Canada’s online course on anaphylaxis education. It’s amazing that this course is free. Our daughter is safer at school because this course exists.”
Information & support
We are here to help you navigate the new terrain of managing food allergy at home, school and elsewhere. Our programs for kids and teens continue to grow, and include innovative online mentoring, webinars, meetings, panels, multimedia and apps that speak to youth in their own language.
Each year, we provide information and support to thousands of people through our programs, phone line and email and by directing them to credible resources and connecting them with local community groups.
At a glance:
- Trained staff available to answer your questions. Connect with us.
- Affiliated support groups across the country.
- Online mentorship for kids.
- Online community for teens
- A hub for parents of newly-diagnosed children.
- Adults with allergies blog
“When my son had a reaction to [an undeclared ingredient] in some cookies, I called Food Allergy Canada. They told me how to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and report it, and I did.”
Research
We help Canadian researchers find participants for studies across the country. We also contribute in-kind dollars and services to help with Canadian research efforts into the management of food allergies and the search for potential therapies and treatments.
We attend and speak at conferences in the medical community and within the allergy advocacy community internationally. Through our newsletter, social media and website, we let our members know about the latest in research.
Through directed donations, Food Allergy Canada supports leading-edge research into food allergies and the search for a cure. We also participate in research studies as co-investigators and review manuscripts.
Funding
Food Allergy Canada is a national registered charity. We are supported by individual and corporate donations, sponsorships, and grants.
Join us and make an impact. There are many ways you can make a significant impact, for example, your $25 donation can help further our advocacy around ensuring everyone has access to life-saving medication. For $50, you can become a champion of our online mentorship programs that educate kids and build their confidence.
Join our monthly giving community and become an ongoing supporter to help us advocate strongly across many different platforms on your behalf, provide education to kids and adults impacted by food allergy, increase awareness with the public, industry, and government on the seriousness of food allergies, and offer free personalized support to you and others when you need it.