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Childhood Allergies |
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Nationwide, approximately 3 million children have a food allergy including 1 in every 17 children under the age of three. Among school children who have food allergies, 84 percent will experience a reaction while attending school.
"Ask Before You Eat" is a statewide initiative that hopes to to raise public awareness and educate those that work with and provide services to children, about the need for food allergy risk management. Although food allergies affect the entire population, children are its most vulnerable victims.
The focus of the public awareness campaign is directed toward schools, childcare centers, community learning centers, park districts, summer camps and after-school programs.
With support from the Illinois Departments of Public Health, Illinois Children and Family Services and the Illinois State Board of Education, outreach to schools, communities and the food service industry will begin at the National Restaurant Association convention later this month and will continue at over 25 events, fairs and festivals over the coming year. |
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