New Free, Curriculum-Linked Program Aims to
Foster Understanding, Safety, and Inclusion in Classrooms
Across Canada
TORONTO, Aug. 14,
2024 /CNW/ - Food Allergy Canada, the nation's
leading patient organization dedicated to supporting over three
million Canadians impacted by food allergy, launches its "All About
Food Allergy" student program–a comprehensive, curriculum-linked
and medically-reviewed program designed for students in grades 4 to
6 and available for free to educators across Canada.
Educating and Empowering Through Knowledge
Food allergy affects over 600,000 Canadian children—equivalent
to three children in every classroom of 30. Despite the prevalence
of this serious medical condition, significant gaps in
understanding and management persist, often leading to social
exclusion and anxiety among children with food allergy.
Inconsistent understanding, including the potential for
life-threatening reactions, also impacts the broader public's
ability to support individuals with food allergy. With a medical
condition connected to food, preventing reactions and staying safe
is a shared responsibility.
"Food is more than sustenance; it's a basis for connection.
However, for kids with food allergy, managing their condition can
be challenging," said Jennifer
Gerdts, Executive Director of Food Allergy Canada. "Schools
have a significant role to play in educating on food allergy, and
our program is a crucial step in building skills and knowledge to
create informed communities that can support and include everyone
at the table."
Program Highlights
Endorsed by Physical and Health Education Canada, the "All About
Food Allergy" program was designed with cross-curricular
integration in mind and is ready to use. Four modules, each 30
minutes, will educate students about food allergy. Program features
include:
- Comprehensive Learning Modules: Educators are provided
with lesson plans, learning resources and guided activities that
are easy to implement.
- Teacher Support: Instructional guides and pre/post
assessments help teachers track student progress.
- Empathy Building: Activities designed to foster empathy
and support among affected students, helping to normalize food
allergy and reduce stigma, social exclusion, bullying and
anxiety.
Food Allergy Canada invites educators to integrate the "All
About Food Allergy" program into their classrooms. Teachers will
play a pivotal role in enhancing students' knowledge and awareness
regarding food allergy, contributing to safer and inclusive
communities across Canada.
The "All About Food Allergy" student program is a collaboration
with the Sweet Caroline Foundation, which was established to honour
the life of 14-year-old Caroline
Lorette and promote anaphylaxis education.
About Food Allergy Canada
Food Allergy Canada is a
national non-profit and Canada's
leading patient organization committed to educating, supporting,
and advocating for the more than three million Canadians impacted
by food allergy. The organization focuses on providing the
education and support needed to effectively navigate food allergy,
building informed and supportive communities, and acting as the
national voice on key issues.
For more information on the "All About Food Allergy" program and
access to resources visit foodallergycanada.ca/SchoolProgram.
SOURCE Food Allergy Canada