The Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital aims to find answers and shape policies surrounding food allergy, asthma and other allergic conditions.
This guide contains CFAAR’s research informed resources from early hildh d h h d l h d i l i i h of incre
Research-backed interventions in prevention, treatment, and emergency response
Access our easy-to-read e-book highlighting the latest evidence-based approaches to food allergy management, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), and Xolair.
Best practices in early food introduction continue to evolve. Current guidelines recommend introducing allergens between 4–6 months of age. Refer to this handout from CFAAR’s iREACH Study to learn more about introducing peanut safely and effectively.
New epinephrine delivery devices are being developed. Current FDA approved devices include: Epi-pen, Auvi-Q, and Neffy. Dosing options may vary by individual’s weight and generic options are also available.
CFAAR is a leader in advancing the scientific understanding of childhood and adult food allergy in the United States. Browse our publications.
Guidance for parents, caregivers, and early learning professionals to keep young children safe and included
This section provides necessary information, strategies and resources to address food allergies in early childhood spaces.
We want children to: STOP before they eat. LOOK at the food. ASK an adult if it’s ok. GO only if the adult says so.
Children under 6 years old depend on adults to keep them safe and to be food allergy aware, prepared, and ready!
Scan or click here to access all Early Childhood Resources.
Take this free online, on demand training available for professional development The teacher videos contained in the training are also available for your use in English and Spanish.
Print this checklist to guide conversation with families when a child has a known food allergy.
Share these tip sheets with your parents and families They were created in collaboration with the Illinois Early Learning Project and are available in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, Polish, Korean, Chinese, Arabic
Watch and sing this song when snacks or meals are being served. To reinforce this simple message, use hand signals to cue pre-verbal children and help keep them safe around food.
Guidance on allergy prevention, early introduction, safe feeding, and communicating with your child’s caregivers. Build confidence in supporting your child’s health and safety every day.
Watch and share this 2 minute parent-to-parent video (in English and Spanish) Parents of children without food allergies might find it especially helpful!
Take this free online, on demand training available for parents to stay current with all that an EC program has to consider. Use these resources to advocate for your child.
Explore family-friendly tools like the STOP LOOK ASK GO song, a Health Passport for on-the-go care, an All-Ages Back-to-School Checklist, and a Peanut Introduction example handout for babies
Listen to this 20 min interview from the Illinois Early Learning Project, where CFAAR’s Dr Ruchi Gupta and Sarah Valaika discuss practical strategies for managing food allergies in young children
Engaging, age-appropriate activities and visuals to help young children understand food allergies, recognize safe foods, and learn how to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Watch and sing along when snacks or meals are being served. To reinforce this simple message, use hand signals to cue pre-verbal children and help keep them safe around food.
Young children love this game. Add a yellow light and read this blog to find out why HERE!
Children learn through exploration and using their senses. Use these allergy-friendly recipes free of the Top 9 allergens for safe and fun playtime.
This section provides resources to help children, parents, and educators learn about food allergies. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels safe, included, and empowered to advocate for themselves and others both inside and outside the classroom.
Children depend on adults to keep them safe and to be food allergy aware, prepared, and ready!
Scan or click here to access all Elementary Resources.
Lesson plans, classroom activities, and communication tips to foster a safe and inclusive environment for students with food allergies.
Help students learn to articulate the importance of food allergy awareness as they explore cross-contact scenarios and discuss ways to support classmates. Access the overview and teacher’s guide here.
Use this slide deck to teach students about food allergies. View the presentation here and the presentation with notes here Use this guided worksheet for increased student engagement
Can you be an Allergist? Word Search , Answer Sheet Let’s Review! Crossword, Answer Sheet Coloring Book
Check out IDPH’s fun food allergy activity sheets!
Looking for a food allergy book for your classroom library? The Class That Can: Food Allergies is a great resource!
Guidance on partnering with schools, preparing care plans, and supporting your child’s confidence and safety throughout the school day.
Take this free online, on demand training available for parents to stay current with all that an EC program has to consider. Use these resources to advocate for your child.
Start the conversation at home with our Family Food Allergy Workbook. Explore Allergy Force checklists to help your child navigate daily routines safely, and sign up to receive quarterly newsletters from Mothers of Children Having Allergies (MOCHA).
Watch and share this 2 minute parent-to-parent video (in English and Spanish)
Sing the STOP. LOOK. ASK. GO song before playdates, family gatherings, birthday parties, etc.
Help others learn about food allergies by sharing this slide deck available as a presentation or a version with notes for easy teaching Headed Back to School? Use this checklist to refresh your plan after summer and winter breaks.
Interactive tools and activities that teach kids about food allergies, self-advocacy, and how to help keep friends safe.
Younger Kids Talk: Food Allergy: Watch young kids share what they know about food allergies what happens in the body, what signs to look for, and how everyone can help keep friends safe
Explore engaging food allergy activities including a “Can You Be an Allergist?” Word Search, “Let’s Review!” Crossword, and a Coloring Book from Allergy Force. Check out Comfort Kits, mind-body toys and playful instructions. Learn hands-on with Method Workbooks by The Child Life Therapist. Plus, check out additional activity sheets from IDPH for more hands-on learning and fun. (Answer keys included)
Introduce children to food allergies through stories like Penny and the Peanut, The Disappearing Dot, The ImmuniForce: The Anaphylaxis Strike and The Class That Can: Food Allergies, which teach safety, inclusion, and understanding in a kid-friendly way
Middle school is a time of increasing independence, social exploration, and new routines. These resources help students, parents, and educators navigate food allergies safely while promoting inclusion, self-advocacy, and confidence in managing allergies both in and out of school.
Tips, lesson ideas, and strategies to support students with food allergies in the classroom, cafeteria, and during extracurricular activities.
Teach students to recognize mild and severe allergy symptoms and how to respond safely if someone is having a reaction Includes direct access to the overview, teacher’s guide, pre-test, & guided worksheet for easy classroom use
Teach students about food allergies with this interactive slide deck. Choose the presentation or the version with notes to guide learning in the classroom.
Encourage students to make a Public Service Announcement (PSA) highlighting why food allergies matter and how to keep friends safe Click here to view the assignment
A 3-month self-guided program providing students a STEM-based opportunity to become young researchers & explore the field of scientific research. Learn more here!
Guidance on communicating with schools, supporting self-advocacy, and keeping students safe as they gain
Help others learn about food allergies by sharing this slide deck available as a presentation or a version with notes for easy teaching.
Explore Allergy Force checklists to help your child navigate daily routines safely, and sign up to receive quarterly newsletter from Mothers of Children Having Allergies (MOCHA).
A 3-month self-guided program providing students a STEM-based opportunity to become young researchers & explore the field of scientific research. Learn more here!
Explore CFAAR’s collection of videos and webinars covering life with food allergies and other allergic conditions, including seasonal topics like Fall, Winter, Halloween, and anaphylaxis. Stay up to date by joining CFAAR’s newsletter for the latest research, resources, and news.
Interactive tools and activities that teach preteens about food allergies, self-advocacy, and how to help keep friends safe.
Food Allergy Bullying: It's Not a Joke PSA: FARE's "It's Not a Joke" Campaign can help you learn more about food allergies and how you can prevent food allergy bullying.
Explore engaging food allergy activities including a “Can You Be an Allergist?” Word Search, “Let’s Review!” Crossword, and a Coloring Book from Allergy Force Plus, check out additional activity sheets from IDPH for more hands-on learning and fun. (Answer keys included)
A 3-month self-guided program providing students a STEM-based opportunity to become young researchers & explore the field of scientific research Learn more here!
High school is a time of greater independence, social opportunities, and complex routines. These resources help students, parents, and educators navigate food allergies safely while promoting selfadvocacy, confidence, and inclusion at school, during activities, and in everyday life.
Lesson plans, communication strategies, and safety protocols to support students with food allergies in classrooms, cafeterias, and extracurricular activities.
Teach students to recognize mild and severe allergy symptoms and how to respond safely if someone is having a reaction Includes direct access to the overview, teacher’s guide, pre-test, & guided worksheet for easy classroom use
Use this slide deck to teach high school students about food allergies Access the presentation or the version with speaker notes for easy classroom use.
Have students evaluate food allergy dining and meal options and reflect on their experience. Access the assignment here.
CFAAR Ambassadors Program
A weeklong immersive summer experience for high schoolers who are curious about public health, healthcare, and leadership. Scholarships available. CFAAR Science Sleuths Program
A 3-month self-guided program providing students a STEM-based opportunity to become young researchers & explore the field of scientific research
Help others learn about food allergies by sharing this slide deck available as a presentation or a version with notes for easy teaching
Explore Allergy Force checklists to help your child navigate daily routines safely, and sign up to receive quarterly newsletter from Mothers of Children Having Allergies (MOCHA)
Would your child be interested in a weeklong immersive summer experience for high schoolers? Are they curious about public health, healthcare, and leadership? Encourage them to apply for the CFAAR Ambassadors Program!
Would your child be interested in becoming a young researcher & exploring the field of scientific research? Encourage them to apply for the CFAAR Science Sleuths Program!
Explore CFAAR’s collection of videos and webinars covering life with food allergies and other allergic conditions, including seasonal topics like Fall, Winter, Halloween, and anaphylaxis Stay up to date by joining CFAAR’s newsletter for the latest research, resources, and news Follow us on social media!
Practical tips, peer-focused tools, and resources that help high schoolers understand their allergies, advocate for themselves, and help others stay safe.
High School Student Talk: A video created by kids with food allergy to improve peer food allergy education and management
Food Allergy Bullying- It's Not a Joke Public Service Announcement: FARE's "It's Not a Joke" Campaign can help you learn more about food allergies and how you can prevent food allergy bullying.
Want a weeklong summer experience exploring public health, healthcare, and leadership? Apply for the CFAAR Ambassadors Program and dive into food allergy research, advocacy, and mentorship.
Interested in becoming a young researcher & exploring the field of scientific research? Apply for the CFAAR Science Sleuths Program!
Are you wondering how you will navigate food allergies in college? CFAAR has a great toolkit to help you! See the College section of this guide
(Refer to page 22)
Starting college means new freedoms and new responsibilities. These resources help students manage food allergies confidently, educate friends and roommates, and prepare for emergencies while embracing everything college life has to offer.
These resources help students manage their food allergy with greater independence and confidence while embracing everything college life has to offer.
Starting college means new freedoms and new responsibilities. These resources intend to empower students with dietary restrictions and equip new friends with the knowledge and tools they need to offer support and effectively respond in an emergency Access the overview here
Use the Food Allergy and Special Diets Toolkit to help you navigate the transition from high school to college Get practical tips for campus dining, communicating with food service staff, and building a personalized allergy plan with guidance on nutrition, emergency preparedness, and selfadvocacy. Universities can also customize this toolkit template to support their students’ needs.
Watch stories and gain advice from college students living with food allergies These short videos explore real-life experiences in dining halls, dorms, and social settings, offering insight and encouragement for students starting their own college journey.
CFAAR College Video
Start a Food Allergy Club: Use this CAFAE Club Flyer to launch a chapter and raise awareness in your community.
Explore Career Paths: Interested in public health, research, or medicine? Apply for the CFAAR Scholars Summer Internship Program for hands-on experience
Stay Connected: Join CFAAR’s newsletter and follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest opportunities and events.
Find tools, tips, and community support to help manage food allergies safely and confidently in everyday life.
Click here or scan to access all Adult Resources.
Whether you’ve had food allergies your whole life or were recently diagnosed, these resources help you navigate daily life safely and advocate for yourself with confidence at home, at work, and beyond.
Refresh your knowledge on the basics of food allergies, including recognizing reactions, emergency preparedness, and prevention strategies Perfect for adults newly diagnosed or looking to stay up to date Start here for the basics
Practical tips for dining out safely and traveling with food allergies, from reading menus and communicating with staff to preparing for trips and social events Click here
Access videos, webinars, and community tools to learn from experts and peers about managing food allergies, staying informed, and connecting with supportive networks In need of food assistance? Click here
Stay up to date on CFAAR’s latest studies, publications, and breakthroughs in food allergy prevention, management, and policy. Sign up for our newsletter to remain connected to the research community.
Many people with food allergies may also experience related conditions such as asthma, eczema, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), or FPIES. This section provides resources to help individuals, families, and caregivers understand these conditions, recognize symptoms, and manage care effectively.
Learn common triggers, prevention strategies, and emergency preparedness to reduce risk and improve daily management. Create a Visual Asthma Action Plan to help healthcare providers and families develop personalized, picture-based, interactive plans of care.
Resources for understanding triggers, treatments, and how to support skin health alongside food allergy management. Experts discuss Eczema during the CFAAR webinar ‘CFAAR Treatment Series: Eczema and Skin Conditions Panel’
Resources from University of Chicago & Northwestern to understand gluten intolerance, identify symptoms, and manage a strict gluten-free diet safely.
Educational materials on recognizing symptoms, treatment options, and strategies to manage EoE in daily life.
Experts discuss EoE during the CFAAR webinar ‘EoE-Everything you need to Know’. Experts discuss EoE during the CFAAR webinar ‘Chicagoland Food Allergy & EoE Treatment Options’
Guidance for identifying triggers, managing reactions, and navigating care plans for children and adults with FPIES. Read more here
Educational materials on tick bite–induced red meat allergy, symptoms, and strategies to avoid triggers and manage reactions. Read more here.
RuchiGupta, MD,MPH
FoundingDirector CenterforFoodAllergy& AsthmaResearch
SaiNimmagadda, MD
ChiefAllergist CenterforFoodAllergy& AsthmaResearch
SamanthaSansweet, MPH SarahValaika, MS
FormerDirectorofEducation& StudentPrograms
EarlyChildhoodEducator& StudentProgramsCoordinator
