Kansas City Families Find New Hope with ’15 and FARE’ Initiative
Kansas City, MO – A fresh ray of hope is shining down on families dealing with food allergies in Kansas City, thanks to an exciting new partnership led by local sports star Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes. The couple is taking a personal leap into the world of food safety with a brand new program called ’15 and FARE’, which is set to roll out across the city.
Addressing a Critical Challenge
It’s no secret that food allergies can create significant challenges for families, affecting more than 520,000 people in Missouri alone, and over 33 million across the entire United States. This issue is incredibly personal for the Mahomes family, as they are among those who directly experience the impact of food allergies. In light of this, they decided to join forces with FARE, which stands for Food Allergy Research and Education.
During a special gala held just this past Monday, the Mahomes couple made the formal announcement, sharing their heartfelt excitement about this initiative. Anita Roach, Vice President of Health Equity and Community Engagement at FARE, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We’re just so thrilled this will be our 7th location. And take the impact we’ve made in other places and be able to bring it to Kansas City.”
About the ’15 and FARE’ Program
So, what exactly is the ’15 and FARE’ program all about? Well, the goal is to provide local families and restaurants with the resources and knowledge they need to safely manage food allergies. This includes comprehensive training for food service workers, school staff, and community health workers. Roach outlined the program’s intent: “They’re going to learn everything from how to avoid cross-contact between allergens and other foods, how to clean surfaces to avoid that cross-contact, [and] how to ask patrons about their food allergy.” This initiative is all about building a safer community for those dealing with food allergies.
Positive Changes Ahead
People can look forward to spotting a new logo—a 15 and FARE stamp—popping up at various restaurants around town. This symbol will signify that the establishment has undergone training to ensure it’s a safe place for families managing food allergies. But that’s not all! Roach emphasized that the initiative will stretch beyond restaurants to schools and even food pantries, providing essential information on how to keep the food allergy community safe during different seasons and events, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.
For example, families will be able to participate in fun pumpkin projects while ensuring that kids with food allergies remain safe. Additionally, caretakers will receive tips on serving holiday meals that consider food allergy safety. The excitement is palpable as Roach mentions, “Of course restaurants, we’re really making it so that if you have a food allergy, you can still be at the dinner table, the dining table with your family and be safe.” This sentiment resonates with so many, highlighting the compassion behind the initiative.
Getting Restaurants Involved
For restaurants interested in participating, FARE has plans to have ambassadors in Kansas City reach out to establishments that may want to get involved. On the flip side, restaurants can also reach out to inquire about the program. This collaborative effort aims to create an inclusive dining environment where food allergies are taken seriously, making public outings less stressful for affected families.
The Community’s Support Matters
As the talk of the town, the ’15 and FARE’ initiative is gathering support and recognition. With the Mahomes family at the helm and a solid partnership with FARE, Kansas City is gearing up to see profound changes that not only raise awareness but also enhance safety for countless families. This program is a shining example of how community leaders can come together to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
So whether you’re a parent, a friend, or just someone who cares about the well-being of our community, keep your eyes peeled for the 15 and FARE logo and support the restaurants and schools committed to making a safer environment for everyone.
