More than 33 million people in the U.S. have food allergy—yet many people don’t realize it’s a disease, rather than a diet or someone being “picky.”

Allergic reactions can progress to life-threatening anaphylaxis in a matter of minutes, which can only be stopped by using epinephrine—yet many people (even people with food allergy!) don’t recognize the signs or are hesitant to administer life-saving drugs.

There’s also bright news: New therapies are available to manage food allergy, lessening the likelihood of reactions based on minor or accidental exposure to an allergen. Studies have shown there are ways to help stop a food allergy before it starts, by using the “Eat Early, Eat Often” early introduction approach with infants.

You can be part of a movement, driven by FARE’s PSAs, to create a better reality for food allergy patients and their families. We can work together to improve the public’s shared understanding of food allergy and help people feel informed, prepared, and empowered. Our community cannot wait. We need change now.