Check out our past events. If you would like My Food Allergy Friends to visit your
childcare centre, kindy, school or playgroup please send us an email. info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
Help educate all young children about allergies and foster allergy awareness in the community.
Our allergy sessions are fun, interactive and educational. They will help children understand
food allergies and ways to be Food Allergy Smart. Food allergies are serious but learning about them can be fun!
Food Allergies can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for families. Patients and the families are vigilant and often feel the threat of the risk of reaction every time they feed their child or venture beyond their usual environment. Children feel different. Books such as Jackie Nevard’s series help to ‘normalise’ food allergies and create positive messages of sensible caution and happy food experiences that the child and their family can take on board, personalise and build upon in their own life. I wish this series the best of success and hope it provides safety and positive messages for those families with food allergies.
Assoc Professor Pete Smith
Professor Pete Smith is one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected allergists and immunologists.
The books arrived last night and our 2 year old is already obsessed with the 2 you recommended we start with. And seems to love saying “No! Danger food!” to the food we have. We’ve probably read each book 4-5 times since we opened the parcel last night – think they’re going to be really good, thank you!
By Anna – NZ Parent 2023
The kids love to shout out “NO! DANGER FOOD” when you ask the question can Thai eat this food. Thai goes to a birthday party is definitely one of Mason’s favourites, that we read night after night!!!
By Joanne Ashby
‘They have asked me to read them over and over again’
My children’s interest in these books surprised me as neither of my kids have food allergies. Regardless, they have asked me to read them over and over again. The illustrations are sweet and the story is simple, positive and refreshing. Read more…
After reading the book for about the 25th time, I asked her why she liked it. She explained to me that she loves how Thai (the boy in the book) doesn’t have to miss out on anything at the party (his mum has pre-prepared everything that is needed) and that because everyone looks out for him he can be normal too. My daughter is only 3 years old.
Sometimes your kids are so much smarter than you give them credit for. Read more…
Hi MFAF! We have loved reading your book (over and over again) with our son, Seth and are now excitedly awaiting our first delivery of your wonderful book and rabbits for other children to enjoy them too!
By Vicki
These books are wonderful! Not only do they have fantastic, colourful illustrations, but the stories are simple and fun. They are educational, but your kids won’t realize they’re actually a learning tool and will just think they’re cool, as my son did. All the books in the series follow a little boy, named Thai, through different life experiences all while managing his food allergies like a champ. The books portray food allergies in a non-threatening way, in simple language so very young children can understand, yet older kids will enjoy as well. At the end of each book there is a guide for parents on how to best use the books to help your children embrace their allergies. Read more…
By Jennifer
Thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I received your books today (I purchased all 4) and they are brilliant! I am in LOVE with them! Everything about them is brilliant. The stories are written so well and completely relevant to my son, pictures are colourful, recipes were a sneaky little extra at the end that completely excited me (we’re already planning on cooking some tomorrow) and websites and information on allergies and how to be safe is easy to understand and the message is clear! I can not wait to take them to my son’s class this week and get her reading to my son’s class on how to keep him safe. Job well done! Thanks again
By Emma
I absolutely loved the book “Thai goes to a birthday party”. I found that the information in the book was very well written and was easy to read to my two year old daughter. The author, Jackie Nevard, has made the issue of life threatening food allergies relevant in an everyday scenario of going to a birthday party. The bright and appealing illustrations really engage my daughters attention too.I really hope that more people become aware of just how serious food allergies are in children today and grab a copy of this book. I also loved the recipes she provided too! Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
By Anna Mendes
I just wanted to say that your book ‘Thai Goes to a Birthday Party’ is an absolutely fantastic idea! This book has helped my kids understand that not all children can eat whatever they like and aware of the situation.
As a parent I believe that even if your children don’t have allergies it is worthwhile to purchase the book and help them and others understand how serious allergies are. My children didn’t have allergies but have friends who do so I took it upon myself to teach my kids about this growing trend.
My daughter recently developed mild case of allergies to egg white, milk and sesame. With the knowledge (from reading your book) my son told me to read the story to my daughter to help her so she knows she can’t have eggs etc or she’ll get sick. He is very cautious now and always ask me if she can have something before he offers her anything.
By Natasha Cricri
My son feels very lucky and is so excited about his new book. This book is a must for our young children. He was able to understand the story not only by reading but also by looking at the pictures. You are going to loveeeeee this book !! As soon as we opened the second page Arda’s exact words without reading it ” aaaaaaaaaa he’s got allergies too”
My beautiful Arda reads his book over and over again every night:-) but in Turkish 
and Jackie Nevard this is his favorite book..its like an epipen for us:) you know what i mean:-) it travels with us everywhere:-)
By Sibel
My girls have requested them almost every night, talk about them during their play and sit and pretend to read them! Even miss 2 who is egg allergic has really understood and enjoyed them saying in a big voice NO! Danger Food!
Thank you so much for writing these books! Xx
By Rebecca
We loved them! The girls had a great time listening and talking through the story. You’ve done well! They are very well written. Thank you for providing such a great allergy book, Miss 4 is taking them to preschool tomorrow so her teacher can read them to the class.
As a child care educator I would like to thank you for these books, they provide us with a fantastic resource to explain to children the seriousness of these allergies.
By Sian
Jackie I received my books yesterday, they’re fantastic, you should be extremely proud. I also love the pictures. The children from my centre responded fantastically, identifying what were danger foods for Thai. I love how you have made it a learning tool for children and families.
By Julie Davis
These books are a must-have for parents and carers of kids with food allergies. And us! We have copies of both books in the clinic.
By Allergy Medical
My Food Allergy Friends is a series of books geared towards educating young children about food allergies. There are currently two books available to purchase online and a third coming soon.
By Lisa Rutter (No Nuts Mum Group)
I love it. Very informative and a great teaching tool for classroom teachers. There are many opportunities for discussions to be had.
By Anna (primary school teacher)
The books are wonderful and we are pleased to have such a relevant resource in our Library. I am confident they will be well used. The on-line resources are also extremely helpful.
Thank you Jackie.
By Maree – First Aid Officer
Your books really hit the mark and he really gained an understanding of how things are now and what it means for him. He especially seemed to understand the signs and symptoms. He has been keen to show his friends the books also.
Again, thank you so much for all your hard work.
By Tania & Noah
The going to school one is great at explaining allergies in simple terms. I have left it with my child’s teacher to share with the Year 1 class. There are also teaching resources and posters available.
By Helen from New Zealand
Thai’s Exciting First Week at School is a lovely story that covers heaps of important information about kids with allergies going to school. It is not only great for kids who have allergies for education, it is also excellent because it’s nice for them to know that they are not the only kids like this. Other children without allergies will also benefit from this book because they learn about allergies and how they can look after their friends. My 7 year old with allergies and 5 year old without thoroughly enjoyed me reading the story to them and I know we will many times over.
By Lisa (Happy Tummies)
“Is she putting her finger in the custard? She shouldn’t do that, it might make her sick. Is that the boy who spilt it? Is Thai saying no?
“This is a sad book ” I asked why “because Estella gets sick.” We talked about how she was OK and how she has epipens to make her better if she got really sick. And about washing hands and not touching other people’s food.
“I want to see Estella giving her mum a cuddle. (We went back to that page.)Why does she have red marks?” I asked him why he thought and he talks about how she got sick from allergens.
We talked about the rules, He pointed to Thai coughing and explained what was happening. We talked about what might happen when he has an allergic reaction.
“I think this is a good story, I like this book mum”
By Zavier age 3
In this book Thai’s friend touches a food that she is allergic too and it explains the process of what happens including giving antihistamine and following her action plan. I love how interactive and engaging this book is. After the story, at the end of the book there’s great tips for dealing with food allergies, a quiz asking if Thai can eat the following foods (with pictures of the foods), it asks if we know the signs of an allergic reaction and in this book we get to learn a little about Thai and see some super cute pics! Read more…
By Lyndsay Edwards
What I love so much about these books is that they are about a real little boy and that helps my kids relate to the stories. I think that this book would be fantastic for all kids aged about 4 to 7, or even a bit older. It’s got bright colourful illustrations to make it fun while talking about a very serious matter. I also like the section where kids can add their own photos of them and what they are allergic to. It would make a wonderful gift for a child with allergies!
By Lisa Munro – Happy Tummies
I’d highly recommend getting a copy of this book for your family if you don’t have one! It has lots of practical information about things like eating out, cross contamination and birthday parties… plus heaps more.
I think it would really helpful for families new to allergies because it covers all of the important things that you often have to work out the hard way…the stuff allergists don’t have the time to go through at an appointment.
It’s also great to have to give to people that look after your child to read. Thanks My Food Allergy Friends
By Lisa – Happy Tummies
This is the book every parent should have when their child is diagnosed with allergies and then more copies for friends and families. It is a complete ‘survival guide’ and would have made a huge positive difference to our lives if we could have read it 5 years ago!! So much valuable information that applies to our daily lives. A great educational tool for anyone that spends time with our kids.
By Markeeta
This new book ‘Thai’s guide to being food allergy smart’, by Jackie Nevard has been written with the wider community in mind: grandparents, parents, teachers, and wider support networks and is designed to help educate both the child and the people they are in constant contact with in order to keep them safe. There is a lot of information contained in the book but is packaged in a very user-friendly way with lots of gorgeous illustrations, infographics and photographs. Read More
By Malena from – Fun with allergy kids blog
We’ve been on this allergy journey for 13 years now, I wish I’d had this guide book back then! This a valuable resource for anyone starting their allergy journey, but even those already well and truly on it are likely to pick up some new tips! I will be also getting my 13 year old with allergies to read it. For those with younger kids, it’s a book to keep easily on hand to share important points to caregivers, relatives and friends. When my child was younger her friend’s parents would comment they were too scared to have her over for a play date but perhaps this book would have given us both some reassurance. Thank you Jackie, I’m sure this book will be helpful to many families.
By Sarah – ausEE inc
A fabulous easy to read and accessible guide book for families who are new to serious food allergies! Living with food allergies can be complicated, and can seem overwhelming at times. You may not know where to start, or all that’s involved in caring for a child with food allergies. Thai’s Guide To being Food Allergy Smart – Parent Guide on Food Allergies, is so user friendly and explains the basics in a fun, and helpful way.
Fantastic for carers and parents of newly diagnosed food allergic children alike! Perfect book to gift to a caring family member, grandparent, aunt/uncle or close friends who may help care for your food allergic child!
It takes “a village to raise a child”, and we can all help children with food allergies (and adults) to be included and stay safe! Get this book for your family today!
Thanks My Food Allergy Friends!! Great to have an easy to read allergy guide book for everyone!
By Kylie – Allergy Punk
The Food Allergy Cards are fabulous. They are bold, bright and the perfect size. We love the little bag they come in and the fact that they contain all of the key messages children with allergies must learn to keep themselves safe and help keep others with allergies safe. We like the fact that the key term is highlighted in red, this makes it easier to learn these words and recognise them in a list of ingredients. We love the fact that they apply to many food allergies and that we can add in our own allergens too. A wonderful tool and a fun way to reinforce important messages to children with allergies. Thank you My Food Allergy Friends!
By Sarah & Archie – age 4
Sydney Grammar – School Nurse – Tara 2024
Thank you so much for your time yesterday and for the resources you have provided. The children had an informative time learning about food allergies, equipping them to be Food Allergy SMART.
We really appreciate it and we will stay in touch. 😊
Kids Academy Early Learning Centre – NICA 2025
This is great, thank you! This really helps children get a greater understanding and is very beneficial for our service.
Davina – Brisbane 2022
Thank you for coming into our center. The kids and Educators loved the information. Hope to see you again next year.
Thank you for such a wonderfully informative presentation, the children and teachers enjoyed the morning
Director – Nicola 2021
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for sending through this email and being part of our service this year.
It was so great to hear how involved the children were in the session.
I will share this with the kindergarten teacher for future planning.
Centre Director – Ashlee
Thanks for today’s visit. The children enjoyed the interactive session. After you left they spent time doing the activity sheets.
– Patricia 2021
Thank you so much for your time yesterday and for the resources you have provided. The children had an informative time learning about food allergies, equipping them to be Food Allergy SMART.
Kids Academy Early Learning Centre – 2025
I just wanted to say thank you for coming in last Monday and visiting us here at My Stepping Stones Haberfield. The Preschoolers LOVED having you (and Rabbie!) talk to us about the importance of not sharing food with their friends, washing hands before AND after mealtimes, and how important it is to tell a teacher or adult when a friend is having an allergic reaction and being aware of the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. During dramatic play in the kitchen, we can hear the Preschoolers use “NO! DANGER FOOD!” when cooking or serving food to their peers. Thank you again for coming in and we will see you again soon!
– Preschool Room 2021
The children loved the show! That would be great if you could email the templates for Thai & Rabbie. Thank you for coming to our service, we look forward to seeing you next year!
We would like to thank you for your visit on Friday, the children enjoyed it and speaking for my children you built on the allergy education and awareness that we have been working on here.
We are so excited to have you back at Pooh Bear’s this year. Your session last year was so informative!
Thanks Jackie. We loved having you visit our services again this year
– Jodie 2016
Thanks again as well for your sessions last week… they were great!
– Leanne 2016
Joel enjoyed the session. He told me it was the best part of his day! He liked the danger food signs and also told me about your t-shirt
– Tanya 2016
We love yesterday afternoon, thank you so much!
– Raj 2016
Thanks so much Jackie, The educators were very impressed with your session and the children loved it! I have been letting all councils other services know how good you were
– Franca 2016
They loved it. Thanks so much for your time
– Karla 2016
Thank you for yesterday the children enjoyed it very much and I was told that information during the talk was very informative.
– Michaela 2016
Thank you for taking the time to visit us at Hornsby Central Preschool Kindergarten, I think it was extremely beneficial for the children.
– Amy 2017
Thanks for coming, the children enjoyed it and are still talking about foods their friend cannot have.
– Clare – Director 2017
Thank you Jackie
It’s always so lovely to see you in our centre.
– Nicola – Director 2017
Thanks Jackie
It was a great session.
So nice to be doing it through the children’s eyes.
– Sharon 2017
Thanks Jackie.
I was at your talk a couple of weeks ago and I thought it was great.
My daughter starts school next year and I’m starting to get nervous about her allergies so it was great getting some practical information.
Thanks
– Helen – Parent 2017
Thank you so much Jackie, the educators and children really enjoyed it and the educators wanted to let you know as soon as the children opened their lunchboxes today they all discussed their own food and was it safe for allergies such as “yeah mines dairy-free” or mines “egg free”. We will continue to discuss it all week and throughout the year. Hope to see you next year
– Kristy – Sydney 2019
Just wanted to say thanks for the workshop last night, I have a list of things to check, and of things to do.
– Christine – Director 2017
Thank you so much Jackie,
All of these resources are such a wonderful tool to use for our service.
We appreciate your assistance with Allergy awareness week especially as we have lots of children in our centre with specific food allergies.
– Director – 2017
Thanks so much again for the incursion you and Thai did at MSS Rose Bay. The children, parents, and educators have thoroughly enjoyed this!
We’ve been repeating the 5 ways of helping and we will continue to do so
– Amy – Sydney 2019
Thanks so much Jackie. The children had a wonderful time and absolutely loved it, as they always do!
– Shelley – Sydney 2019
Thank you Jackie, we really enjoyed the session. The children certainly learned a lot.
– Colleen – Sydney 2019
HI Jackie
Thank you so much for coming through and sharing this great awareness program that captured our children’s interest. It was also a great talking point for the families to remember the different types of allergies especially with winter, food etc.
This is one of the programs that we look forward to each year, and we appreciate your time, thoughts behind the materials and being able to be approachable to the children and staff.
Keep up the great work and see you next year YAY
– Freda – Sydney 2023
‘Thanks for a great masterclass! It was really informative. Caleb loved meeting Rabbie too’
‘Thank you (and Simone) for a wonderful Masterclass! I’m so glad we made the trip, we found it really helpful.On behalf of all the allergy kids (and their anxious parents) thank you so much for all the wonderful work you do to help educate people about allergies.’
‘Thanks for having us. Loved the masterclass, both you and Simone are brilliant, very valuable information for kids and families. I’ve taken some great pointers from the class!’
‘Thank you so much. It was a great day. We learnt a lot.’
‘Thank you very much to you and Simone for the allergy masterclass on Sunday. It was really good for Oliver to see so many other children with allergies, including several with the same allergies he has (nuts, dairy and eggs)! And also I found it very useful to hear Thai’s anaphylaxis story and to be able to reassure Oli about the epipens not being a big worry in the end for Thai.’
Send your reviews to the link below
We love hearing from you!
My Food Allergy Friends
info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
www.myfoodallergyfriends.com
Starting kindy is a big step for any child, but it can be even more challenging if your child has a food allergy.
We get it, we’ve been there and know that entrusting someone else with your child can feel frightening. Will your kindy be able to keep your child safe in an environment where your child’s allergens may be present? Will the other families and children attending understand allergies?
The good news is many Early Learning Services are well prepared and provide a nurturing and safe environment for children with allergies, and we work closely with many of them.
The best thing you can do is educate your child. We have several book resources children love, from Thai Goes To A Birthday Party, his City Adventure and Starting Kindy. Each book subtly teaches your child different safety messages.
Our books are visual so even very young children will begin learning through our beautifully illustrated pictures. Key messages such as carrying an EpiPen, knowing what foods you are allergic to, eating only YOUR safe food, saying no if someone offers you food, getting food checked by parents or a trusted adult, asking family and friends to wash their hands after eating, bringing safe food to parties and learning what may happen to their bodies if they were to have an allergic reaction (Thai’s First Ambulance Ride) are covered through our stories.
Children learn how the loveable Thai keeps himself safe and how allergies are just a part of his life and don’t stop him from having fun. Thai is confident and this encourages your children to become confident and learn about ways to keep themselves safe, just like Thai.
Our new book ‘Thai’s New Friend at Kindy’ is a wonderful tool to help your child with the next step in becoming more independent. Discuss the story and the different situations your child may face while at kindy. This book is a must for any childcare centre as an educational resource to aid allergy education. Educators can check out our Childcare resources
For parents it also comes with our Parent Tips Sheets helping you prepare your child for kindly, know what questions to ask when visiting different places and what you can continue to do once your child starts childcare.
An inclusive, safe learning environment paves the way for a happy and confident adult. It’s natural for both parents and teachers to feel anxious when a child with allergies commences kindy or day care. My Food Allergy Friends is Australia’s dedicated supplier of allergy-related child care resources and educational sessions. We help your young children understand exactly how to stay safe with food allergies and minimise an allergic reaction. Giving peace of mind to parents, educators and most importantly, children with food allergies.
Our Food Allergy SMART Program is used by many Early Learning Services to create an allergy aware community. Centres use either our resources or book an incursion where we visit the centre and deliver our fun and engaging allergy awareness sessions.
We offer a discount for childcare centres, kindergartens and schools.
Tadpoles Childcare Centres in Queensland are the first to lead the way and have purchased books to educate every one of their QLD centres. We also work with Active Kids, Guardian, Goodstart, Emali Centres, Stepping Stones, Little Learning Schools and C & K to name a few.
My Food Allergy Friends is all about creating a safe, inclusive kindy or child care environment. All materials are developed specifically as practical, fun and engaging food allergy resources. My Food Allergy Friends provides child care centres and kindergartens with the simplest and most affordable way to incorporate food allergy awareness into the kindergarten curriculum.
Browse our selection of child care resources now or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Thai is a kindy kid with food allergies. Thai is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish and milk. Thai’s New Friend at Kindy is all about giving children with food allergies the confidence to take the next step towards independence. It focuses on making smart choices in different situations he or his new friend Estella may face at kindy. For his classmates, it’s a fun and colourful way to learn practical skills for preventing allergic reactions at kindy.
Thai’s story is easily relatable for kids at playgroups, prep classes, extracurricular clubs and classes and any location where little ones start taking steps towards independence.
For educators concerned about their duty of care in the classroom and playground, our in-centre allergy education sessions are an excellent way to cover all your bases with your children, teaching them ways to be Food Allergy Smart. Parents of children with food allergies may approach their centres about options for educational sessions.
These resources are hand-selected from Australia’s most trusted allergy organisations for parents and early childhood education professionals. These will help bring food allergies into your kindy curriculum and raise awareness of dangers. You’ll also find information and teacher resources on allergy management plans and first aid.
Not in Australia? Find resources in New Zealand, Canada, the US and UK below.
The links below are resources obtained from a variety of trusted allergy organisations around the world. Check which guidelines are current for your country or state, and use those resources to form a plan for your child.
When you order our books we have a selection of free colouring pages and activities teachers and parents can use. Please email us with your invoice number and we will send you the activities. Don’t forget to check out the resource page that has discussion points for each book.
The EpiPen bags is ideal for storing EpiPens, antihistamine and asthma medication at kind or school.
– Customised insert allows staff to clearly identify the child, their allergies, days they attend the centre or school, medication details including expiry dates.
– Insulated case and large enough for two EpiPens!
– As used by the book character Thai in our food allergy book series.
Designed by early childhood professionals to support children at risk of anaphylaxis, this insulated EpiPen bag is easily identifiable in an emergency. The bag is large enough to house an Epipen or Anapen and antihistamines, yet small enough that it can be safely stored away. The clearly designed label ensures that the correct child’s medication is quickly accessed in an emergency.
Dimensions: 21.5 x 5.5 x 18 cm
Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet, it’s a great way to remind others of your child’s medical needs. Medibands® provide peace of mind so that when the unexpected happens, critical medical information can be conveyed to teachers and medical professionals.
Mediband® caters for many medical conditions such as food allergies. Covering foods such as peanuts, dairy and eggs, I carry an EpiPen or anaphylaxis alert. You can also have drug allergies listed to medications such as penicillin, or alerts for other medical conditions like diabetes and epilepsy.
Mediband® offers an extensive and ever-expanding range of medical wristbands which we are proud to partner with.
If Mediband® don’t have what you’re after, they’ll make it for you!
My Childcare Allergy Pack contains 3 preschool books, 5 child-friendly posters, plus access to craft. The posters show colourful reminders about washing hands after eating and not sharing food, perfect for childcare centres and kindergartens.
Childcare Centres can order a childcare pack by contacting My Food Allergy Friends below.
Help us to create a safe, inclusive kindy or child care environment by teaching ALL children about food allergies and helping our community become
FREE Food Allergy RESOURCES for childcare educators, teachers and caregivers. After reading the books, childcare educators, teachers and parents can discuss the stories with children. This will help reinforce the teaching points within the stories and open further discussion on food allergies and how it may relate to your child, childcare centre or school.
Below are some printable teaching resources.
Present your child or the classroom with our Allergy Aware Certificate. Thank you for raising awareness in your childcare centre or school
Our double-sided gloss certificates can also be ordered for allergy week.
Book Week Activities for teachers and educators
Email us for a Book Week poster to display at your local library, school, or early learning service.
Book Week 2020
Theme: Curious Creatures, Wild Minds
Dates: Term 4: October 17-23
Each year across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. During this time schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators, and children celebrate Australian children’s literature and you will often see children’s book character parades and talented librarians creating amazing displays.
CONTACT US if you would like to raise awareness of allergies over BOOK WEEK.
You can dress up as Thai, Rabbie, or Finn. We have FREE craft, masks of the book characters Thai and Finn for school parades, special book week colouring pages, and activities all related to our books helping to educate others about ALLERGIES.
Book Week Activities for teachers – Allergy Books Light Up Our World
Book Week 2019
Theme: Reading is My Secret Power
Dates: 17 – 23 August 2019
Each year across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. During this time schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators, and children celebrate Australian children’s literature and you will often see children’s book character parades and talented librarians creating amazing displays.
If you have a child with a food allergy, share this video with family and friends. How to use an auto-injector.
CHANGES TO INSTRUCTIONS ON EPIPEN® ADMINISTRATION 13 JUNE 2017
The devices have not changed, just the instructions on the label, which now include:
A new short video featuring Dr Andrew Rochford, explaining the changes
My Food Allergy Friends
Australia’s dedicated provider of educational allergy resources
My Food Allergy Friends is Australia’s dedicated provider of educational allergy resources. The aim of our Food Allergy SMART Program is to help parents and teachers educate kids about allergies using our books and resources, children can have fun while learning about allergies.
Childcare centres and schools can put the Food Allergy Smart program in place by using our ALLERGY PACKS or booking a SESSION to teach kids about food allergies and ways to be Food Allergy SMART.
Helping you with allergy education in childcare and schools.
Including ASCIA Action Plans, FAQs about adrenaline auto-injectors and guidelines.
Allergy Life Australia is a national non-profit charity organisation. We provide information, support, care and access through a range of modern initiatives to improve the lives & lifestyles of Australians living with allergies.
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia Inc (A&AA) strives to raise awareness of life-threatening allergy in the community and provides science-based information, resources and services to support children and adults living with severe allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis.
For schools and childcare services
A charity dedicated to improving lives affected by eosinophilic disorders.
Developed and supervised by allergist, Prof Pete Smith, Allergy Medical is a doctor-operated clinic dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and management of allergies. Bridging the gap between your GP and specialist care, Allergy Medical provides more people with a more timely solution to their allergy problems. You don’t need a referral, and there’s no long waiting list. So you can fast-track your treatment, and get well sooner rather than later.
At Queensland Allergy Service we have two very experienced allergy clinicians who will provide a tailored consultation aimed at educating about allergies for better quality of life.
If you register your adrenaline auto-injector with the Program, we will send you a reminder to renew your prescription before you pass the Expiry Date. You can choose SMS, Email or standard mail options for the reminder.
One in ten people in Australia has asthma. It affects people of ages. Allergies and asthma often occur together.
Allergy Support Hub
The Allergy Support Hub provides frontline support for Allergic individuals and their families. ASH was started out of an identified need for support services that provide direct social and emotional help to individuals with a diagnosed Allergy and their families. International research indicates that people living with an Allergic condition may experience stress and anxiety associated with the daily management of one – or often multiple Allergies, including Anaphylaxis – which then impacts that individual and their families quality of life. Read More
Simone Albert – Food Allergy Counselling
Why Counselling?
Counselling supports and helps individuals and families navigate through fear, anxiety, or ongoing high levels of stress as a result of managing a life with food allergies. Simone is a registered counsellor that educates, advocates, increases awareness and supports allergy families and the wider community as she understands first hand how living with allergies affects the entire family. Read More
Allergy New Zealand is a national charity that provides you with reliable information, education and support so you can manage your or your child’s allergy and live an active and healthy lifestyle. For links and resources Click Here
Works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Your home for education, advocacy, & connection with others affected by life-threatening food allergies & anaphylaxis.
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, which aims to encourage nation-wide diverse, social and equitable resources to make sure that all children in every school and beyond in every neighborhood regardless of socioeconomic conditions, culture, or class, are safe when their parents drop them off.
Red Sneakers for Oakley was established by Robert and Merrill Debbs after the death of their 11-year-old son Oakley due to a fatal allergic reaction to nuts. Oakley loved his red sneakers and the family decided to use them as a powerful symbol for increased education and awareness among communities of people with food allergies, but also people who don’t have them.
Food Allergy Week is an initiative of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. The week helps to promote and develop through education, research and ongoing support, the awareness of food allergy amongst Australians. See how you can help.
“Check out our Event Page to see what we are up to for Food Allergy Week. Hope to see you there!”
Join us for some SAFE Easter fun with Thai & Rabbie. Decorate a craft egg and send us your photo with your creation.
We want people from all over the world to join us. We may be in lockdown but that doesn’t stop us from having fun this Easter. Our 3 chosen craft eggs will receive a selection of visual allergy awareness posters. Thai’s pick will also receive a set of our children’s books.
Entries to be messaged in or emailed by Monday 13 by 9am. All entries will be shared on our Facebook page over Easter Sunday. We will also be going live as we create our own eggs. Sharing craft eggs from around the world all day on Easter Sunday!
Posters to download to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe will allergies
Just click the link to print it out
These are also ways allergens can enter our bodies.
Just click on an image to print it out
Tell us why you are Food Allergy SMART on your social media over Allergy Week #foodallergysmart
“We are food allergy smart because our friends have allergies”
We’d like all our food allergy friends to have a safe and happy Halloween. If you are organising a trick-or-treat in your local neighbourhood or school. Share our printable NON-FOOD TREATS poster, so our friends with allergies can join in the fun too.
Some examples that kids love – glow sticks, novelty Halloween toys, stickers and pencil toppers. Check out your local discount store for more ideas. SPREAD the word with your friends and make this Halloween fun for everyone!
Share what you get up to on our Facebook page.
Have a safe and happy Halloween, remember to be Food Allergy Smart!
Thai & Rabbie x
Share your life as an Allergy Parent.
Are you a parent caring for a child with food allergies? For the month of July let’s have some fun! Share your child’s favourite food, let us take a look inside your lunch box, medical bag or fridge. Share your favourite cook book and let others learn about your world or get some new meal ideas. Let us take a peek inside your daily life as an allergy parent.
Join the Photo A Day event on our Facebook page so others can see your photos, post also on your own page using the hashtag #MFAFphotoaday. We want people from all over the world to take part so share away on Facebook and Instagram.
Thai was recently eating some peanuts (safe food now for Thai) his Grandpa was sitting next to him eating a sandwich. He reached over and took a handful of peanuts!
Thai stormed into the kitchen as his nuts were now contaminated, Grandpa had not washed his hands after eating his sandwich and Thai knew this could mean cross contamination!
Do you have a food allergy superhero at home? We’d love to hear your story. Send us an email and we will include it on our website. info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
EGG free – NUT free – SOY free – DAIRY free
Ingredients
1 cup of self raising flour
1/3 cup of sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup rice beverage
60g of melted Nuttelex
1 teaspoon of Orgran egg replacer and 2 tablespoons of water
2 banana’s mashed
Icing
2/3 cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Method
– Preheat oven to 180c
– Mix together flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and cinnamon.
– In another bowl mix together melted Nuttelex, rice beverage, egg replacer/water and mashed
bananas. Add to the flour mixture and mix well.
– Pour mixture in a loaf tin and cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown. You can also make
cup cakes the same way.
– Combine the icing sugar and lemon juice, mix with a folk until smooth.
– Once the cake is cooled, spread with icing and sprinkle with cinnamon.
– Ideal for storing asthma medication or EpiPens.
– Customised insert allows staff to clearly identify the child, days they attend the centre or school, medication details including expiry dates.
– Insulated and large enough for a spacer.
Our Blue asthma bag is a firm favourite because it can fit a small spacer, asthma medication, an action plan, an EpiPens, and wipes, yet it’s still small enough to store away or to hang in a classroom. Because our blue asthma carrier bags are practical and affordable, they’re perfect for purchasing in multiples, so you have one for each location (home, school, backpack, grandparents.)
Asthma insulated carrier bags go beyond just providing asthma and EpiPen medication storage, they:
Bag Dimensions: 21.5 x 5.5 x 18cm
PLEASE CONTACT US if you would like to be invoiced – Ph – 0415 4400 50 or info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
What if some of your fears, anxieties and worries surrounding yours or your child’s allergies could be lessened with a simple EpiPen bag? It might just look like a red medical bag, but it is so much more; it saves lives.
PLEASE CONTACT US if you would like to be invoiced – Ph – 0415 4400 50 or info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
Our red EpiPen case is a firm favourite because it can fit not one but TWO EpiPens, antihistamine, a small spacer, asthma medication, an action plan, pen, and wipes, yet it’s still small enough to store away or to hang in a classroom. Because our red Epi carrier bags are practical and affordable, they’re perfect for purchasing in multiples, so you have one for each location (home, school, backpack, grandparents.)
EpiPen insulated carrier bags go beyond just providing EpiPen and asthma medication storage, they:
Our EpiPen Bag is more than just a medication holder; it’s the most important bag you’ll ever purchase. Thai, the main character in our food allergy book series, would agree and so do our customers. Read their reviews!
Bag Dimensions: 21.5 x 5.5 x 18cm
Effective food allergy management starts with allergy education. By booking a food allergy awareness event, you’re taking real steps in meeting your duty of care, in the classroom and in the playground. Food allergies in kids can be frightening for classmates and teachers. Our sessions are specially designed to raise food allergy awareness in the classroom and get kids practicing safe prevention strategies. They’re also plenty of fun! By educating kids on the risks, your child care centre, kindy or school not only becomes a safer place, but it also becomes more inclusive for kids with food allergies.
Effective food allergy management starts with allergy education. By booking a food allergy awareness event, you’re taking real steps in meeting your duty of care, in the classroom and in the playground. Food allergies in kids can be frightening for classmates and teachers. Our sessions are specially designed to raise food allergy awareness in the classroom and get kids practicing safe prevention strategies. They’re also plenty of fun! By educating kids on the risks, your child care centre, kindy or school not only becomes a safer place, but it also becomes more inclusive for kids with food allergies.
Come and join us for ‘Storytime’! Meet the author and the real Thai and Rabbie. A fun session of storytelling and craft for pre-schoolers. Our story time sessions raise food allergy awareness in a fun and friendly way. These allergy awareness events are ideal for playgroups and mother’s groups, and for any kid who loves to have fun!
Libraries can book an author visit. Why not request a food allergy awareness session at your local library? For bookings and availability:
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with managing your child’s allergies? Does most of the allergy care rest on your shoulders? Do you find it hard to speak up in your school or kindy about how they handle allergy management? Are there members of your family or close friends that don’t understand or think you overreact? Do you feel alone?
Use your knowledge as power. Allergies can be challenging and we have all felt overwhelmed and alone at times. The great news is that allergies are manageable and we can show you how to use your knowledge to advocate confidently so your child has a safe environment at home, with friends or family and at childcare or school. Simone Albert food allergy counsellor and I completely understand how you are feeling and we want to share our knowledge with you. This is an opportunity for parents, children, grandparents, and friends to gain knowledge from others that have walked the path before you. Our 2022 masterclass schedule is currently being created. Please register your interest by sending us an email and dates and locations will be sent to you.
Would you like YOUR school or centre to be part of the Food Allergy Smart Program in 2026?
To arrange for My Food Allergy Friends to visit your school or centre please request more information and one of our team
will get in touch with you. Student allergy education is essential and this allergy awareness program is a must for every school.
Bookings OPEN September 1st – jump on our 2026 waitlist.
info@myfoodallergyfriends.com
Many of the centres we work with receive Exceeding National Quality Standards. National Quality Standard areas covered:
Depending on restrictions next year I also have an online program.
Brisbane 9 – 10
Sydney 16 – 20 3 left
Sunshine Coast 25 – 26
Melbourne – 2 – 6
Sunshine Coast 11
Sydney 16 – 20
Sunshine Coast 26
Brisbane 21 – 22
Gold Coast/Northern Rivers 23 – 24
Brisbane 6
Sydney 11 – 16
Sunshine Coast 20 – FULL
Sydney 25 – 29
Melbourne TBC waitlist
Perth TBC waitlist
Adelaide TBC waitlist
Melbourne TBC waitlist
Hervey Bay TBC waitlist
Melbourne 10 -14 – FULL
Sunshine Coast 6 – 7 – FULL
Sydney 24 – 28 – FULL
Sunshine Coast/ Brisbane 19 – FULL
Sunshine Coast 5 – 6 – Full
Brisbane 10 – 15 – Full
Perth – 24 – 28 March – Full
Sydney 7 – 11 – Full
Brisbane/Gold Coast/Northern Rivers 22 – 24 – Full
Sydney 5 – 9 – FULL
Sydney 19 – 23 – Full
Melbourne 14 – 18 – Full
Brisbane 28 – 20 – Full
Melbourne 11 – 15 – Full
Hervey Bay 26 – 29 – Full
QLD 20 – 22 – FULL
Sydney 8 – 15 – Full
Sydney 6 – 10 – Full
QLD 7-9- FULL
Sydney 13-17 – FULL
Brisbane – 22 – FULL
Melbourne 25 Feb – 6 March FULL
Sunshine Coast – 15 FULL
Melbourne 27 – 31 FULL
Brisbane/Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast – 21 – 24 FULL
Brisbane/Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast – 2-4 Full
Sydney 15 -19 FULL
Sydney 29 May – 2 June FULL
QLD 19 – 23 – Full
Melbourne 17 – 21 – FULL
Hervey Bay 2- 4 FULL
Melbourne 14 – 18 – FULL
Brisbane 30 – 31 – 1 spot left
Sydney 4 – 9 – Full
Sydney 16 – 19 Full
New events are being added so please join our waitlist
Sydney 21 – 22 – full
Join me at the Free From & Allergy Show
Session time – 11.30am Saturday 21 October
Gold Coast 7-9
Sydney 12-19 – 6 left!
Brisbane 23-25
Sunshine Coast 23-25
Melbourne 7-11
Perth 21 -25
New Zealand 11 – 15
Brisbane/Sunshine Coast 3-4
Sydney 14-21
Sydney 28 May – 4
Sydney 3 – 10 FULL
Gold Coast 8
Brisbane 10 – 12
Sunshine Coast 9 – 16
Sydney 22 – 26 – Full
Perth 8 – 12 – Cancelled
Melbourne 22 – 26 – Full
Allergy Awareness Month
Brisbane 1 – 6 –
Sydney – 17 – 21 – FULL
Sydney 31 May – 4 June– 4 spots left
Melbourne 12 – 16 – 1 spot left
Sydney – 6 – 10
Brisbane 1 – 14
Sunshine Coast 1 – 14
Melbourne 15 – 22 – Full
Sydney 6 – 14 – Full
Perth 21 – 27 – Full – waiting on dates to reschedule
Sydney 16 – 23 – Full – These events are rescheduled for September due to COVID-19
Brisbane 25 – 29 – Allergy Awareness Week – These events are cancelled due to COVID-19
Melbourne 17 – 24 – Thai on Tour (special event) Full – These events are cancelled due to COVID-19
Sydney 11 – 18 – Thai on Tour (special event) – These events are cancelled due to COVID-19
Sunshine Coast – Brisbane – Gold Coast – 19 – 23 – Special events for book week
For one week only, Thai will be joining me for part of my allergy tour in Melbourne
Children will be able to meet the real Thai, our inspiration behind our educational allergy series.
Allergy Advocate Thai, has always wanted to help us raise awareness of food allergies. He is very excited about joining me again and helping to raise awareness. Last year in Sydney children responded so well to having a child make allergies easy to understand and he will talk about simple ways we can all support our friends.
Melbourne 16 – 10 – 12pm
Brisbane 1 – 14
Sunshine Coast 1 – 14
Sydney 18 – 23 – Sorry, these events are fully booked!
Melbourne 16 – 23 – Thai on Tour –Sorry, these events are fully booked!
Perth 1 – 6 –Sorry, these events are fully booked!
FREE Family Fun Day – Woodville Reserve Pavilion 10 – 12pm
Sydney 11 – 17 Fully booked!
Sydney – Thai on Tour 20 – 25 Fully booked!
Sunshine Coast/Brisbane – 27 – 31 2 spaces left Allergy Week Events 2019 – 26 – 1 June
Brisbane 31 – I’m presenting in the Free PD Seminar Program at the National Education Summit Brisbane
Allergy Masterclass Melbourne – Sunday 14 – 10 – 12 pm Fully booked
Melbourne 12 – 20 Food Allergy SMART Program schools and childcare Fully booked
Allergy Masterclass QLD
Brisbane – Saturday 10 – 10 – 12pm
Sunshine Coast – Sunday 11 – 2 – 4pm
Sydney 16 – 20 Food Allergy SMART Program schools and childcare Fully booked
Allergy Masterclass Sydney – Sunday 15 – Fully booked
Want to stay in the know about our Allergy Masterclass? You can join our waitlist here.
For one week only, Thai will be joining me for part of my Allergy Week tour in Sydney and Melbourne
Children will be able to meet the real Thai, our inspiration behind our educational allergy series.
Allergy Advocate Thai has always wanted to help us raise awareness of food allergies. He is very excited about joining me again and helping to raise awareness. Last year in Sydney children responded so well to having a child make allergies easy to understand and he will talk about simple ways we can all support our friends.
Food Allergy Week is an initiative of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. The week helps to promote the awareness of food allergy amongst Australians. My Food Allergy Friends will be speaking in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast over Food Allergy Awareness Week 2019.
February 14 – May 28
As part of this project we are releasing a new book covering an anaphylactic reaction, we are designing a new page on our website call Anaphylaxis, along with heaps of information and links. We also want to hear real life stories, from our Food Allergy Friends. Here’s where you can help. If you or your child would like to either share your anaphylaxis story or be part of our Let’s Talk Anaphylaxis videos, get filming and writing now.
To find out how you can share YOUR story, please contact us so we can send you more information.
This book is a must for any parent as an educational resource to aid allergy education and explain anaphylaxis. Often we talk about the steps we take to stop us having an allergic reaction, but once accidental exposure has happened children also need reassurance of what happens next.
All media enquiries to contact author Jackie Nevard. Would you like to host a book launch in your community, business or school?
Brisbane 1 – 15
Sunshine Coast 1 – 15
Sydney 19 – 23
Melbourne 5 – 9
Adelaide 19 – 23
Sydney 12 – 26 Sorry, these events are fully booked!
Thai on Tour 21 – 25 Sorry, these events are fully booked!
New Zealand 18 – 25
Melbourne 15 – 19 Sorry, these events are fully booked!
Sydney – 5 – 9 Sorry, these events are fully booked!
30 October – 3 November – Sorry, events are fully booked
By educating kids about food allergies and ways to be food allergy smart, your child care centre, kindy or school not only becomes a safer place, it becomes more inclusive for kids with food allergies. These sessions are aimed at children between the ages of 3 -5 or our school events prep – grade 3. Contact us now to make a booking.
Do you care for a child with a food allergy? We would love you to join us at this FREE event to be held at Nerang Library Thursday 4 May – 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Join Jackie Nevard from My Food Allergy Friends for this information evening aimed at anyone who cares for children with food allergies. Parents, family, friends, childcare educators and teachers are all encouraged to attend. Receive practical tips for living with allergies and we will be raising awareness for EGIDs and EoE too! Sarah from ausEE will be a guest speaker,
Bookings can be made online through the library.
These sessions are aimed at children between the ages of 3 -5 or our school events prep – grade 3.
SORRY, EVENTS ARE FULLY BOOKED
Exciting news! Due to popular demand I have released new dates for our allergy sessions in Sydney. These sessions are aimed at children between
the ages of 3 -5 or our school events prep – grade 3.
SORRY, OCTOBER EVENTS ARE FULLY BOOKED
Sydney Grammar – School Nurse – Tara 2024
Thank you for such a wonderfully informative presentation, the children and teachers enjoyed the morning
Director – Nicola 2021
I just wanted to say thank you for coming in last Monday and visiting us here at My Stepping Stones Haberfield. The Preschoolers LOVED having you (and Rabbie!) talk to us about the importance of not sharing food with their friends, washing hands before AND after mealtimes, and how important it is to tell a teacher or adult when a friend is having an allergic reaction and being aware of the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. During dramatic play in the kitchen, we can hear the Preschoolers use “NO! DANGER FOOD!” when cooking or serving food to their peers. Thank you again for coming in and we will see you again soon!
– Preschool Room 2021
Thank you for yesterday the children enjoyed it very much and I was told that information during the talk was very informative. – Michaela 2016
We are so excited to have you back at Pooh Bear’s this year. Your session last year was so informative!
Thank you Jackie, both you and Thai continue to inspire us to ensure safety for all children. We love your visits!!!
The school-setting is naturally a fitting environment for students to learn. Having Jackie come to teach our students on how to become a school-wide, Food Allergy SMART community is one of the most valuable education sessions our school has received on this topic, and I highly recommend it for all schools. This is a true investment. The content Jackie delivers is relevant, and as she has her own hands-on experience in managing food allergy as a parent, she is able to help students to learn about this topic in practical ways, all the while empowering every individual with a desire to grow and maintain an inclusive mindset. The result is that students are in touch with the real essence of how communities can safely and successfully handle both the physical AND social impacts surrounding food allergy, creating a safer and more harmonious school-wide community. Thanks for all your hard work, Jackie!
– Vick Koe, Melbourne 2018
It was fantastic, perfect for the age groups. The follow-up activities and certificate were great. 10/10!
Year 1 Teacher
Loved it!! She was really entertaining and the kids listened really well. She pitched it at the age level of the kids too!
Year 2 Teacher
Thank you so much Jackie, the educators and children really enjoyed it and the educators wanted to let you know as soon as the children opened their lunchboxes today they all discussed their own food and was it safe for allergies such as “yeah mines dairy free” or mines “egg free”. We will continue to discuss it all week and throughout the year. Hope to see you next year
Kristy – Sydney 2019
Thanks so much again for the incursion you and Thai did at MSS Rose Bay. The children, parents, and educators have thoroughly enjoyed this!
We’ve been repeating the 5 ways of helping and we will continue to do so
Amy – Sydney 2019
Thanks so much Jackie. The children had a wonderful time and absolutely loved it, as they always do!
Shelley – Sydney 2019
Thank you Jackie, we really enjoyed the session. The children certainly learned a lot.
Colleen – Sydney 2019
Thanks again Jackie, for another great visit!!! The posters will be very useful as well ?
Gemma – Brisbane 2023 – Treehouse Manly
Thanks Jackie,
They are still chatting about the session this morning which is great!
Bronwen – Montessori Gold Coast 2022
Postage for large quantities by arrangement with My Food Allergy Friends.
If you require several items please contact us so we can provide the best postage rate. Discount for schools and childcare centres.
If you are a School or Early Childcare Centre please contact us for more information on our School or Childcare Allergy Packs
info@myfoodallergyfriends.com or 0415 4400 50
Postage for large quantities by arrangement with My Food Allergy Friends.
If you require several items please contact us so we can provide the best postage rate. Discount for schools and childcare centres.
info@myfoodallergyfriends.com or 0415 4400 50
Parent Pack - allergy resources
$109.00
School Allergy Pack
$109.00
Allergy Bands - teens & adult
$3.30
Allergies and Me Poster
$5.50
