FAACT's Roundtable

Food Allergy Awareness Month is almost here—and it’s our moment to be seen, heard, and understood. This year, FAACT is launching an exciting new campaign, 'Invisible No More', shining a light on the reality that food allergies may be unseen, but they are very real. We’re sitting down with FAACT’s Director of Marketing, Lisa Horne, to share how you can get involved and help bring this message to life in your community. 

Res...

Every summer, FAACT’s Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang) brings campers, teens, non-allergic siblings, and families living with food allergies, eosinophilic disorders, asthma, FPIES, and Celiac disease, together for fun, confidence-building, and hands-on learning in a safe, supportive space.

Molly Dow and her daughters, Emily and Ellie, join us to share what Camp TAG has meant to their family. You'll get a sneak peek into the heartwar...

Navigating college with food allergies can feel overwhelming—from choosing a school and touring campuses to move-in day and staying safe once you’re there. It’s a big transition, with added layers of responsibility.

That’s why FAACT created a College Resource Center, built from real questions our community is asking—such as what to ask on tours, how to set up accommodations, what to do when things don’t go as planned, and how to nav...

What do you do when your child has that first allergic reaction—and your allergist appointment is still weeks, maybe even months, away? That in-between time can feel overwhelming, with so many questions and not enough answers. We’re sitting down with FAACT Medical Advisory Board Member, Dr. Justin Greiwe, to walk through practical steps families can take right now to stay safe, feel more confident, and navigate this uncertain windo...

This episode is all about inspiration. We’re shining a spotlight on a remarkable young woman who is using her voice and platform to make a meaningful impact in the food allergy community. We’re honored to welcome FAACT’s newest National Spokesperson, Tess Ferm, Miss America’s Teen 2026! Tess joins us to share her personal food allergy journey and why educating others and raising awareness has become such a powerful part of her miss...

The dietary management of food allergies includes identifying the allergen that triggers a reaction and avoiding foods that contain that allergen. As a result, children with dietary restrictions due to food allergies may be at risk for inadequate nutritional intake. We sat down with Andie Lee Gonzalez, Senior Pediatric Medical Science Liaison with Abbott Nutrition Medical Affairs and Research, who describes the role of specialized ...

Traveling with food allergies happens every day for thousands of families. But as many of us know, travel takes planning—and even the best plans don’t always go the way we expect. Flights get delayed, restaurants change menus, and sometimes we’re asked to make quick decisions in unfamiliar places. So how do we prepare not just our travel plans, but also our mindset? How do we build the confidence and coping skills to stay calm and ...

Our guest, Steven Gendel, PhD, brings more than 30 years of experience in food safety science, regulation, and policy. From a manufacturer’s perspective, we’ll unpack the real-world differences between gluten and wheat, how food processing works, and the role processing aids can play. Together, we’ll explore what all of this means for managing allergies and making safer, more confident choices when shopping.

Resources to keep you in...

This year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, centered on the theme 'Advancing Precision Medicine from Discovery to Patient Care'. While these meetings are filled with complex research and new developments, what matters most to patients and families is what it all means for their daily life with food allerg...

The holiday season is a time for laughter, togetherness, and creating special memories. But for families managing food allergies, it can also bring unique challenges—extra planning, heightened stress, and the worry of staying safe during celebrations. In this episode, we’re talking about how to balance the joy of the season with the realities of food allergy management. We’re joined by licensed psychologist, Amanda Whitehouse, PhD,...

It's often said that the food on the Hanukkah table is more than just a meal—it's a powerful vehicle for storytelling, education, and a communal celebration of faith and resilience. But how do we bridge the gap between embracing those rich cultural traditions and keeping all our loved ones with food allergies safe and included? We’re tackling that crucial question. We are so pleased to welcome food allergy advocates and p...

We all know the teen brain is still growing and changing—and that means it doesn’t always think or act like an adult brain. The teen years are full of discovery, independence, and yes, a bit of risk-taking. But what happens when you add food allergies into the mix? How do brain development and decision-making affect how teens manage their safety and choices?

To help us unpack this fascinating topic, we’re joined by renowned psycholo...

Living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) requires constant awareness and preparation—but what happens when you hit the road or board a plane? We’re joined by content creator and patient advocate, Jenna Gestetner, who’s sharing her top strategies and favorite tips for traveling safely and confidently with MCAS. 

Resources to keep you in the know:

• Mast Cell Disease Society
• FAACT's Allergy Summit
• JennaXHealth
• Instagram: Je...

Over the past year, the food allergy world has seen some truly exciting momentum—from new treatment approaches to innovative ways to deliver life-saving epinephrine. One breakthrough that has sparked a lot of conversation is the first FDA-approved epinephrine nasal spray, offering the first needle-free option for emergency allergic reactions.

We’re thrilled to welcome someone at the center of this innovation: Rich Lowenthal, Co-foun...

We all know what it’s like to manage food allergies in our own kitchens — but what happens when that kitchen belongs to a busy restaurant? We’re taking you behind the scenes with Chef Keith Norman, FAACT Board Member, Assistant Executive Chef, and Food Safety Manager at the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa. Chef Keith is sharing what it really takes to keep guests safe, plus some practical tips for anyone managing food allergies ...

Earlier this month, more than 2,500 allergists and healthcare professionals gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology—better known as ACAAI. It’s one of the biggest events of the year where experts share the latest research, treatments, and guidelines in allergy and immunology. We’re thrilled to be joined by this year’s keynote speaker, program chair—and FAACT M...

The holidays are here—and that means airports, carry-ons, and crowded flights. But for those managing food allergies, air travel comes with extra challenges that require thoughtful preparation and a bit of attentiveness. Joining us today is airline correspondent, safety advocate, and founder of The No Nut Traveler, Lianne Mandelbaum. Lianne has been a leading voice for safer skies for passengers with food allergies, and she’s here ...

You’ve probably heard of Oral Immunotherapy—or OIT—a treatment that’s gaining attention in the food allergy world. But what’s it really like to go through the process? Many families discover there’s more to OIT than they expected. To help unpack the basics and offer clarity, we’re talking with allergist, Dr. Brian Vickery, about what to know before beginning this journey. 

Resources to keep you in the know:

• Resources to keep you ...

Just like with food allergies, there are other conditions where avoiding certain foods is essential. One of those is Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease, or EGID. To help us better understand this complex condition, we’re joined today by Melissa Sauter—an advocate, parent, and Founder of Eosinophilic Parents of Utah. Melissa brings both personal experience and deep knowledge, and her positive outlook will leave you not only inspi...