--- title: "Food Allergy Week | Australia Wide First Aid" description: "This week we celebrate Food Allergy Week, an initiative by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) to raise awareness about, and rally support for, people living with food allergies. " canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/food-allergy-week" --- # Food Allergy Week [Resources](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources) › [Allergy and Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources?genre=allergy-and-asthma) Allergy and Asthma This week marks [Food Allergy Week](https://allergyfacts.org.au/faw), an annual initiative of [Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA)](https://allergyfacts.org.au/) to raise awareness about, and rally support for, people living with food allergy. The rate of food allergy in Australia is on the rise, and we now have one of the highest incidences of food allergy in the world. In fact, 10% of babies born in Australia will develop a food allergy. It is important that all Australians know how to identify and respond to a food allergy, as they have no known cure and can quickly descend into a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. ## What is Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia? Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) is a registered charity that was founded by Meg Johnson in 1993. Johnson, who had become discouraged by the lack of information available to manage her son's severe egg allergy, sought to establish an organisation that assisted and supported those affected by severe allergy and anaphylaxis. A&AA is now Australia's only national support organisation committed to helping both individuals and carers manage allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis. A&AA's vision is to improve the quality of life for all Australians living with allergic disease. A&AA endeavours to achieve their vision by guiding, educating, and listening to Australians living with allergic disease, as well as advocating on their behalf. Likewise, A&AA provides the community with evidence-based information, resources, and services to raise awareness about, and facilitate support for, children and adults living with allergic disease. A&AA recognises that food allergy, in particular, is a community issue, and so coordinates broad outreach and education initiatives, like Food Allergy Week, to embrace and engage those affected by the risk of anaphylaxis. ## What is Food Allergy Week? A&AA's Food Allergy Week is an annual initiative dedicated to fostering understanding of food allergy throughout the community. By informing the community about the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, A&AA hopes to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and to effectively manage severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) when they happen. Throughout Food Allergy Week, A&AA also endeavours to demonstrate how they can assist individuals and carers affected by food allergy, especially those living in rural and remote settings with limited access to health care. ## How Can I Get Involved? Whether you're an individual, school, workplace, or community group, you can show your support for Food Allergy Week by partaking in any of the following: - Donate funds for food allergy education and research. - Hold a fundraiser. - Educate yourself and others by sharing Food Allergy Week resources through your social media networks with the hashtag #foodallergyweek2022, and by displaying these resources in schools, workplaces, and other community venues. - Paint one nail and post a photo of it on your social media networks with the hastag #allergyaware. The painted nail symbolises that, everyday, one in 10 babies born in Australia will develop a food allergy. - Download a Food Allergy Week badge and make it your profile picture on your social media networks. More information about how you can [get involved](https://allergyfacts.org.au/faw-get-involved) can be found on the Food Allergy Week website. ## Other Resources If you're interested in learning more about allergy and anaphylaxis, you might like to check out the following articles in our Resource Library: - [Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/anaphylaxis-adrenaline). - [Anaphylaxis and Anesthesia](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/anesthesia). - [Anaphylaxis Triggers: How to Avoid Them](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/anaphylaxis-triggers-avoid). - [Asthma & Anaphylaxis Emergency in the Home](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/ready-asthma-anaphylaxis-emergency-home). - [Rare Food Allergies on the Adelaide Food Trail](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/rare-allergies-adelaide-food-trail). ## Similar articles - [Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/debunking-common-myths-surrounding-asthma): Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. Despite how common it is, there is a distinct lack of common knowledge. This is leading to potential mismanagement and unnecessary anxiety for those living with asthma. - [Coping with Dust Allergies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/coping-with-dust-allergies): For many Australians, our city and outdoor lifestyles come with a hidden challenge – dust allergies. Dust mites, pollen, and other airborne particles can trigger allergic reactions, affecting a significant portion of the population. - [Say Goodbye to Pollen Allergies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/say-goodbye-to-pollen-allergies): If you suffer from pollen allergies, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Pollen allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body's immune system to the proteins found in the pollen of plants. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments to manage pollen allergies, including medications, immunotherapy, and first aid. ## Learn this hands-on Reading is a start — a nationally accredited course makes it stick. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course). --- **Australia Wide First Aid** · RTO 31961 - Phone: (07) 3437 7500 - Email: info@australiawidefirstaid.com.au - Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm (AEST)