*Updated 9/12 - added food banks in Florida
Florida and surrounding areas have been impacted by Hurricane Irma which has caused widespread damage across the area. Many evacuated to take refuge in Georgia and surrounding states. Families managing food allergies may struggle to find safe foods in shelters.
We've partnered with Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta (FAKA), one of our affiliated support groups, to identify local food banks in Georgia and Florida that will accept and distribute allergy-friendly foods. We thank Karen Harris, the leader of FAKA, for coordinating this effort. Some grocery stores will be sending allergy-friendly food donations to main food bank distribution centers in Georgia. FAKA has also set up a Facebook Group Georgia Food Allergy & Asthma Emergency Disaster Relief for those traveling in the area who need assistance with food or shelter.
Allergy-Friendly Food Donations
The following food banks will accept your food or money donations and/or distribute allergy-friendly foods to families managing food allergies:
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank
ATTN: Allergy friendly food
4490 Ocmulgee East Blvd
Macon, GA 31217
https://www.mgcfb.org/who-we-serve
The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank is notifying each shelter that they will have allergen friendly foods available. *Note that they will be closed Sat. & Sun.
Second Harvest of South Georgia
ATTN: Food Allergy Friendly Foods
1411 Harbin Circle
Valdosta, GA 31601
www.feedingsga.org
Golden Harvest Food Bank
ATTN: Allergy Friendly Foods
3310 Commerce Drive
Augusta, GA 30909
https://goldenharvest.org/
Treasure Coast Food Bank
ATTN: Allergy / Gluten Friendly Food
401 Angle Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
https://stophunger.org/
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
ATTN: Allergy /Gluten Friendly Food
411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32805
http://www.feedhopenow.org
*Note - Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida will begin emergency distribution on Wednesday 9/13.
Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
ATTN: Allergy/Gluten Friendly Food
3760 Fowler, FL 33901, Ft. Myers, FL 33901
http://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/
*NOTE - Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida is not accepting donations until end of week (after 9/15)
To ship from Amazon:
If you send a shipment directly from Amazon, add “FOOD ALLERGY FRIENDLY” in “Address line 2” and in the gift message. If Amazon requires a phone number for shipment, you can use 215-230-5394.
A list of shelf-stable, allergy-friendly foods is listed at the end of this blog.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster. We hope you and your loved ones are safe.
As the situation in the affected areas stabilizes, we will continue to reach out to local resources for information on donating and obtaining allergy-friendly foods and durable medical equipment. We will update you accordingly.
Warm regards,
Lynda Mitchell
Acting CEO
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Shelf-Stable Allergy-Friendly Foods for Emergencies
Always read ingredient labels. This list is just a guide and not an endorsement nor a guarantee of safety of products.
Top 8 Allergy-Free:
Made Good Granola and Granola Minis
Libre Naturals Granola Bars and Oatmeal Cuts
Freedom Foods Crunchola Granola bars and kid-friendly cereals
Enjoy Life ProBurst Bites
Meta Ball energy bites
Sunbutter On the Go Single Serve Cups
Wowbutter
Ruby Rockets nondairy fruit and veggie blend
Daiya Cheddar Style Deluxe Cheeze Sauce
Namaste Foods Soup Cups
Enjoy Life Foods bars
Gerb’s Seeds and dried fruits Stretch Island Fruit Leathers
Valley Fresh canned chicken (individual pop top cans)
Thai Kitchen instant rice noodles
Minute Rice ready to serve individual serving cups
Enjoy Life Foods Plentils – single serve variety pack
Annie’s Bunnies Organic Fruit Snacks
Lundberg Rice Cakes
Lotus Foods plain rice bowls
Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives:
Various brands including Ripple, Silk, Pacific, So Delicious, etc. in single serve cartons
Additional Items:
Rhythm Superfoods – dairy-free, gluten-free veggie snacks – some contain nuts. Kale chips are peanut and tree nut free.
Bitsy’s Brain Foods nut-free crackers (contains other allergens)
Baby Mum-Mum gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, nut free, corn free teethers for babies
Rudi’s Double Fiber bread (gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free ; contains egg) and Ciabatta Rolls (plain and rosemary olive oil) that are also free of gluten, milk, and soy
Gratify gluten-free pretzels
Snyder’s gluten-free pretzels
Glutino gluten-free pretzels
Don’t Go Nuts single serve or jar soy-based nut-free butter (soynut butter)
Glutino Toaster Pastry – gluten free, contain egg
Applesauce cups – Mott’s
Diced fruit cups – Dole packed in juice, not corn syrup
Hand wipes are important for families with food allergies
Formula Options for Infants with Milk Allergy:
Nutramigen
Carnation Good Start
Isomil
Prosobee
Nestle Good Start Soy
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