Twelve Food Allergy Christmas Wishes

I wrote my letter to Santa this year, and delivered it just before Thanksgiving. Oh I asked for the usual stuff – a 2011 calendar, some books (including Gluten Free Girl and the Chef and Free for All Cooking) – and I’m really hoping for a new clip-on iPod Nano to take to the gym, but that’s just the tangible stuff. I have other wishes – wishes that can't be wrapped up and put under the tree – wishes for every food allergic family that I’d like to share with you today.

This Christmas I am wishing that:

1. Those with food allergies would never have to feel left out of an event or special occasion due to their food restrictions.

2. More restaurants would embrace allergen-free menus in addition to gluten-free menus.

3. All restaurants would truly accommodate food allergies.

4. Schools would step up and learn to provide a truly safe learning environment for those with food allergies.

5. Congress would revitalize and pass the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007, to legalize the growing of commercial hemp crops in the United States.

6. Airlines, stadiums, and large public venues would ban peanuts to eliminate the health risk to those with severe peanut allergies.

7. Airlines would provide a wheat-free, dairy-free, nut-free snack for those with food allergies.

8. More funding would be made available for research to find a cure for life threatening food allergies.

9. The FDA would pass legislation to standardize and clarify the wording for food allergen advisory and warning labels.

10. The FDA would pass legislation so that cosmetic labels would clearly call out food-allergens.

11. No one would ever question the validity of food allergies or the motives of those who ask for accommodations.

12. That no family would ever have to suffer a tragic loss due to food allergies.

What are you wishing for this Christmas?