Special to IFN

FOODiversity, a Mooresville-based nonprofit, is launching a new Early Introduction Parent Program (EIPP) to increase awareness and knowledge of early allergen introduction.

Early allergen introduction is an often-overlooked section of the 2020-2025 USDA Dietary Guidelines regarding infant feeding.

FOODiversity’s EIPP aims to reach parents and caregivers, with a particular focus on new parents who
lack access to healthcare.

The nonprofit was recently awarded a grant by the National Peanut Board, which awarded a total of $400,000 in Food Allergy Research Grants to support core areas of prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment.

In populations where the emergency room is the primary point of care, prevention and management of disease is secondary to the immediate treatment of acute symptoms. Consequently, health information such as infant feeding guidelines cannot be adequately delivered nor received. Furthermore, for those with limited time or internet access, food allergy prevention education and resources are even more limited.

With a focus on community-based parent programs, such as those offered by community agencies or healthcare systems, FOODiversity seeks to identify effective ways to reach caregivers and parents who have limited resources and increase awareness and knowledge about early allergen introduction.

The new EIPP will unpack the concept of early allergen introduction, and provide “next step” resources for physicians, community parenting programs, dietitians and parents/caregivers.

FOODiversity hopes that by leveraging community-based parenting resources as conduits, for key messaging about early allergen introduction, this will create a sustainable and continuous flow of information to maternal health and parent/caregiver audiences.

About FOODiversity

FOODiversity’s mission is to lessen the burden of food insecurity for those with food allergies, celiac disease, and food intolerances. We are dedicated to alleviating hunger, eliminating nutrition deficiencies, and preventing medical emergencies. Our client-driven framework brings inclusivity and equity into community food systems by building health literacy and improving access to allergen-friendly (“safe”) foods. For more information, visit www.FOODiversity.org.

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