ABOUT THE FOOD ALLERGY & ANAPHYLAXIS NETWORK (FAAN)
Mission
Founded in 1991, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information about food allergy, a potentially fatal condition that afflicts approximately 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25, and is rapidly increasing in prevalence. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN is dedicated to increasing public awareness, providing advocacy and education, and advancing research on behalf of all those affected by food allergy and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).
Did You Know?
- Food allergy is a growing public health concern in the U.S.
- Though reasons for this are poorly understood, the prevalence of food allergies and associated anaphylaxis appears to be on the rise.
- More than 12 million Americans have food allergy. That’s one in 25, or 4 percent of the population.
- The incidence of food allergy is highest in young children – one in 17 among those under age 3.
- Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the U.S.: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans), wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
- Even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction.
- There is no known cure for food allergy; strict avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction.
Membership
FAAN has 30,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and 62 other countries. Our members are the driving force behind our organization. We undertake each and every initiative with their needs as our top priority. FAAN’s membership comprises individuals; families; health care professionals; school, child care, and camp staff; corporations; organizations; institutions; and those in the pharmaceutical and food industries – all working together. Members receive our Food Allergy News and Food Allergy News for Kids newsletters, have access to our information hotline, and receive special food allergy ingredient alerts by e-mail. Membership is available online at ww.foodallergy.org.
How FAAN Uses Your Contributions
FAAN uses contributions to fund its education, advocacy, research, and awareness efforts. In 2006, FAAN spent 18 percent of its funds on general/administrative and fundraising expenses and earned a coveted four star rating (the highest) from charitynavigator.org for efficient and effective management of its finances.
Education
FAAN’s educational outreach extends not just to children with food allergy and their parents, peers, teachers, and caregivers, but also to such audiences as health professionals, dietitians, and restaurant personnel. We offer newsletters, guidebooks, training manuals, videos, DVDs, annual conferences, special programs, and an award-winning series of children’s books. FAAN staff also give presentations on food allergy and the consumer perspective to food manufacturers, restaurants, government agencies, and other organizations, as well as to health care professionals and educators.
Advocacy
Advocacy is an important part of FAAN’s mission, because those with food allergy depend on others to help keep them safe – whether the issue involves accuracy in food labeling, easy access to lifesaving medications, or cooperation from restaurant staff. FAAN was instrumental in getting the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act passed, and our 2007 Kids’ Congress on Capitol Hill brought nearly 100 children and their families from across the country to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to fund food allergy research and enact food allergy legislation for U.S. schools. We are working in many states to pass laws or adopt regulations permitting students, with the consent of their parents and doctors, to carry their prescribed epinephrine while at school. FAAN also played a role in helping more than 30 states adopt new laws or regulations allowing emergency medical technicians to carry and/or administer epinephrine.
Research
Food allergy research has come a long way over the years. Although we have learned much about the condition and potential treatments, considerable work remains in charting the path to a cure. FAAN’s research program brings together scientists, patients, the food industry, the federal government, and private foundations to advance research that will not only improve the quality of life for those with food allergy, but ultimately help in finding a cure. This integrative approach brings unique perspectives to our program and also helps keep the focus on common goals. FAAN’s research program is supported by donations and by funds raised through special events.
Awareness
FAAN continues its efforts to increase public awareness about food allergy in a number of ways. Annual events include Food Allergy Awareness Week, Trick-or-Treat for Food Allergy, Walk for Food Allergy, a college scholarship essay contest, a children’s poster contest, and the Mariel C. Furlong Awards for Making a Difference. Efforts to harness the power of print, broadcast, and electronic media are ongoing; each year, media outlets bring information about FAAN and food allergy to millions of people in the U.S. and abroad.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
11781 Lee Jackson Hwy., Suite 160
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 929-4040
(703) 691-2713 fax
www.foodallergy.org
