Securing Safe Food

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Increasing the Accessibility of Allergen-Friendly Food

Founded in March 2020, Securing Safe Food (SSF) is a registered nonprofit working to fight food insecurity among individuals with food allergy, and to increase the accessibility of allergen-free foods. SSF aims to reinvent the food options that under-resourced, allergen-avoidant families are provided via nutritional assistance programs. We deliver allergen-safe alternatives that are more useful, varied, and nutritious for those with food allergies (FA), celiac disease, or other medical dietary needs.

1

We locate nutritional assistance programs in need of allergen-free stock and collaborate to ensure effective distribution to FA clientele.

2

We supply our partner food pantries with consistent, allergen-free options and link allergen-avoidant individuals with a source of safe food.

3

We educate food manufacturers, medical practices, and the public on the topic of food allergies, medical dietary needs, and food insecurity.

The cost of fulfilling pantry requests surpasses our funding. Your donations help us provide food-allergic and allergen-avoidant households with the safe and nutritionally sufficient foods they require.

Susan Mesa, Director of Food Programs, Commonpoint Queens (NY)

“It is great to be able to offer our clients the option of allergen-free food. One client stated, ‘Thank you for thinking of us, it's nice to know we have a section at the panty designated for us.’”

Dharma Galang, Executive Director, Berkeley Food Pantry (CA)

“We can better tailor the bags for our clients with food allergies. Thank you for partnering with us!”

Warren et al, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (2022)

“Before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, only 4 of 60,000 food pantries specifically served the needs of food insecure patients with FA. During the pandemic, the number in operation dropped to 2...although additional organizations have recently emerged to help address these needs (e.g. Securing Safe Foods, FOODiversity, and FEI’s affiliate—Free From Marketplace).”

Manuel Borg, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Food Pantry (IL)

“These individuals are in need. It's not often such dietary restrictions are accommodated.”

Robin Bialecki, Executive Director, Easthampton Community Center (MA)

“Sandy is one of our clients that requires gluten free foods. She is 86 years old and has struggled with affording food that will accommodate her diet. She has to spend her income on other medical supplies...she has been thrilled that some of the items sent have also addressed other medical issues she has with dairy products. She wanted me to pass along her thanks for sending foods that are safe for her to eat and taste good too!”

Susan Meza

Director of Food Programs, Commonpoint Queens (NY)

“We can better tailor the bags for our clients with food allergies. Thank you for partnering with us!”

Dharma Galang

Executive Director, Berkeley Food Pantry (CA)

“Before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, only 4 of 60,000 food pantries specifically served the needs of food insecure patients with FA. During the pandemic, the number in operation dropped to 2...although additional organizations have recently emerged to help address these needs (e.g. Securing Safe Foods, FOODiversity, and FEI’s affiliate—Free From Marketplace).”

Warren et al

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (2022)