Stateline F.A.S.T. - Stateline Food Allergy Support Team

The end of what I thought was a good thing.

2008-11-10T15:12:00.002-06:00

It looks like the Stateline F.A.S.T. is coming to an end. There has been no activity in this group for well over 6 months despite my effort. I wish everyone the best of everything. Please contact me if I can help with your allergy needs in any way.
Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

Frost is near but do not fear.

2008-10-01T20:50:00.005-05:00

Hello Everyone. I hope all is well with everyone out there.
An update on my JayJay. Well it's been six months since Jason was tested negative for the majority of his allergens. We've reintroduced most of the foods and PRAISE GOD! NO REACTIONS! He hasn't even been bothered by his seasonal allergies. We're still avoiding shellfish. Which is easy since he's never had it and doesn't care to try it.
Still no news on future meetings but that doesn't mean we can't support each other via the blogspot or email. Some of the largest support groups meet solely online. The Kids With Food Allergies: Food Allergy Support & Food Allergy Recipes website notes that more than 12,000 parents have joined Kids With Food Allergies, a nationwide nonprofit organization offering online food allergy support groups for families raising children with food allergies. Their website is listed on our LINKS list. Check it out!
Some other helpful links I found while on FAAN's website were
http://www.abcnews.go.com/health/allergies

http://www.foodallergy.org/media/HotTopics/picturethis.html

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is asking people with food allergies and their caretakers to take an online survey.

The purpose of the survey is to find out how people use the labels on foods that list ingredients and the warnings that a product may be contaminated by a known allergen. AAFA wants to become better informed about the impact of these labels.

Currently, federal law requires food manufacturers to include any of eight major allergens in the ingredients list on the label if the allergens are present in a food product. Advisory labels, saying that a product may contain an allergen, are not required, although many manufacturers use them. However, the wording of these advisories varies.
If you would like to participate in this short, online survey, please click the link below and make sure to complete the survey before October 31, 2008!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LT6Y49lRmdLyNqqV_2bFLvuw_3d_3d
Thank you for completing the survey and providing AAFA with this important information!

The IFAEA website notes the IFAEA President will speak at 6 school health days around Illinois this fall from Rockford to Mt. Vernon. Tell your school nurse to attend one near you.

The Kids With Food Allergies website has a holiday booklet for you to read. The link is listed below,

Celebrate Halloween safely with food allergic children

First Halloween dealing with food allergies? Download KFA's Celebrating Halloween with Food Allergies booklet : Eight pages filled with activities to replace trick-or-treating, allergy-friendly craft recipes, safe Halloween games, school party ideas, and Halloween treat recipes.

Well I wish everyone a safe & Happy Halloween. Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help you in any way. I have lots of resources and a love to help those in need.

Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

FAST updates

2008-09-08T20:02:00.002-05:00

Hello.

I have decided to stay on as the blogspot moderator. I will keep all the announcements posted, the moderating & editing of the blog along with all the other ins & outs of the blogspot.

There are a lot of people blogging about food allergies. We are part of a ever growing world of food allergic people. Check out these other blogs too,
http://www.healthcentral.com/allergy/blogs.html
http://mykidsallergies.blogspot.com/
http://peanutfreegallery.blogspot.com/
http://mykidshavefoodallergies.blogspot.com/

http://www.he-cant-eat-that.blogspot.com/
http://www.peanutallergykid.com/2008/07/tylers-peanut-allergy-story.html

I could go on & on. There are a lot of great food allergy blogs out there. An endless amount of support, resources and all around great information.

I'll be in touch soon.
Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

30 days

2008-08-31T08:20:00.000-05:00

Just 30 days until this blog ends. This group is looking for someone to pick up the baton and run with it.

Is that someone you? Contact me for more details.

Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

Stepping Down

2008-08-13T19:00:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. WOW did it go fast!

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am stepping down as director of
this support group. I will be pursuing a degree in Business with a full class
load this fall while working full time. Not to mention, I'm a wife and mother
too. That leaves me with not enough time to devote to the team in a director
position. I hope that someone in the group is able to take on this position.
Please let me know if you are interested and I will give you all the paperwork
from the group.
I will keep the email and blogspot up and running until October. I can still be
reached at the contact information listed below.

Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

A few summer recipes~~~

2008-06-29T18:58:00.002-05:00

Pear Cranberry Leather
2 lb. pears
1 pkg. fresh cranberries (12 oz.)
1/4 C. honey

Cook cranberries in saucepan w/ small amount of water until skins pop. Remove from heat and drain well. Cook pears in saucepan with water until tender. Drain. Puree pears and cranberries together. Add honey and mix well. Pour mixture onto two plastic wrap lined 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 jelly roll pan. Spread evenly. Bake @ 225* until no longer wet to the touch. (about 4 hours) Remove plastic wrap and cut each sheet into 4 strips. Roll. Wrap with new plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator until your ready to eat.

Lime Dressed Fruit
1 1/2 C boysenberries or blueberries
1/4 C sugar
1/4 C water
1/4 tsp shredded lime peel
1/3 C lime juice
1/2 tsp poppyseed
2 medium cantaloupes
2 C sliced strawberries
(OR YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER FRUITS)

Combine suger & water in small saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir 1 to 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in lime peel, lime juice and poppyseed. Cool.
Meanwhile, halve and seed melons; scoop out melon balls. Mix together melon, strawberries, boysen or blueberries. Drizzle with cooled dressing. Refrigerate in sealed plastic bowl for several hours. Garnish with strip of lime peel.

Crispy Cucumbers and Tomatoes in Dill Dressing
1/4 C cider vinegar
1 tsp white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chopped fresh dill weed
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 T vegetable oil
2 cucumbers, sliced
1 C red onion, sliced
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

In a large bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar, salt, dill, pepper and oil. Add cucumbers, onion & tomatoes. Toss and let stand at least 15 minutes before serving.

Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
1 1/2 C freshly shredded zucchini
1/2 C vegetable oil
1 C sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon (allspice is a good substitute if you have an allergy)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 C GF flour mix (see posted recipes)
1 tsp xanthum gum for each cup of flour
1 C of walnuts (IF YOU DON'T HAVE NUT ALLERGIES)

Use a mixer to beat the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Add the baking soda, cinnamon, salt & baking powder. Slowly pour in the flour and xanthum gum until well mixed. By hand, mix in the zucchini and nuts. Pour into greased & floured loaf pan. Bake @ 350* for 75 minutes. Let cool. Remove from pan and slice.

Soy Nut Butter Drive

2008-05-14T19:31:00.004-05:00

To the Stateline Food Allergy Support Team members and...
other members of our community,

You might have heard that the Rockford Food Pantry is doing a Peanut Butter
Drive. This food drive was started to collect peanut butter (and jelly) for
children that eat free school lunches and may not have food to eat during the
summer.
HHMMM???? What if the child is allergic to peanut butter? Yes, they could just
have jelly sandwiches but they should have a good source of protein just like
any other child.
That got me thinking... there is something we can do & it would be a great
opportunity to offer support. We know what it's like to not be able to feed our
child something that's offered to others. It's rough on us & rough on our kids.
Let's collect Soy Nut Butter for the kids with food allergies and sensitivities
that may need to use the Food Pantry's services this summer.
I'll be collecting jars of Soy Nut Butter until the end of May. Please contact
me if you would like to donate a jar, or two or three.

Thanks!
Take Heart.
Bev Pomering

Spring is in the Air!

2008-05-02T14:40:00.002-05:00

And so is the pollen! How's everyone doing with seasonal allergies? Jason is in full swing suffering. Back to the allergist to do a med check. We'll be checking food allergies too. Praying for good news!
Here's a few interestng links I've come across. Enjoy the spring!
http://aafa.org/pdfs/FINAL%20public%20LIST%20Spr2008.pdf The AAFA's list of the Most Challenging Places to Live with Spring Allergies.
http://www.actagainstallergy.com/aaa/11980-peanut-allergy-can-be-defeated.html This is a new study released by the AAFA & Duke University on Peanut Allergies. (HHHMMM????)
http://www.foodallergy.org/FAAW/FAAW%202008/calendar08.pdf IT'S FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK! MAY 11-17
http://www.unitedforlunghealth.org/ The first ever United for Lung Health Federal Advocacy Day 2008, to be held May 13-14, 2008 in Washington, D.C.
Take Heart,
Bev

Members' Recipes ~ ~ Feel free to post your own favorite recipes!

2008-04-19T10:12:00.003-05:00

Gluten Free Pancakes (Abby's find!)

1 ¼ c rice flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ c buttermilk or sour cream (I used rice milk for dairy-free)
2 eggs
¼ olive oil (I used safflower oil for a lighter taste)
Cinnamon and vanilla to taste, optional
Blueberries or fruit to taste, optional

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Melissa's substitutions to make wheat-free (not gluten-free because of the oatmeal) are as follows:

For flour use ½ cup brown rice flour and ½ cup of tapioca.

For sugar use ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of blue agave.

If you are going to substitute flours only, add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (the agave adds moisture so the xanthan gum isn’t needed).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
an oldie but goodie:
Flourless peanut butter cookies
1 c peanut butter
1 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 c chocolate chips - optional (I usually leave out because they are too sweet in my opinion, but more like a gourmet cookie)
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, let cool before removing from pan as they can be fragile.
Best to double recipe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
vegan wheat-free chocolate chip cookies
1 3/4 c oat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c br sugar
1/2 c granulated sugar
1/3 c canola oil
1 Tbs ground flaxseeds
1/4 c soy milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 c chocolate chips
(Only the ingrediants were sent to me so I'm assuming that we would mix & bake as you would with any cookie recipe.)

Allergy Free Vacations Are Coming!

2008-04-07T19:50:00.002-05:00

Our next meeting is THIS THURSDAY! Man, sorry I haven't posted the details before now. Time slipped away from me with the lovely spring weather we have had.
This Thursday's meeting will be from 6-8pm at the Ledgewood School Library. Our topic is Traveling with Food Allergies. Bring your tips, best destinations and questions. We're sure to have some great conversations.
See you Thursday!
Take Heart
Bev

ANOTHER CHANGE FOR THE FEB. 7th MEETING

2008-01-31T21:46:00.000-06:00

THE MEETING WILL BE AT THE STONE CREEK SCHOOL LIBRARY. This is the school directly south of Ledgewood school. The address is 11633 South Gate Rd, Roscoe. The meeting will start at 6pm. Edie Applegate, RD will be speaking on nutrition and we will have open discussion after that. Please come and share your thoughts.
Have a great weekend and see you next Thursday!
Take heart,
Bev
~~~SEE COMMENTS FOR MEETING SUMMARY~~~

February's Meeting will be on the 7th!

2008-01-16T19:42:00.000-06:00

NOTE THE DATE CHANGE FOR THE NEXT MEETING!! It will be the first Thursday, which is February 7th.
Nutrition and Food Allergies will be the topic for February. There will be a Registered Dietitian speaking on this topic. Her name is Edie Applegate. She is a retired RD with a long list of accreditation's to her name. She worked for many years in Rockford area and now just spends her time speaking to small groups and organizations on a wide range of Nutritional topics. She has PLENTY of experience in Pediatric Nutrition along with Food Allergies.
Come see her presentation and join in on an open discussion of issues we've been handling lately.
Hope to see you all on
Thursday, February 7th
6- 8pm
Ledgewood School Library, Roscoe.

Take Heart
Bev

Next meeting - Thursday, December 13th @ 6pm

2007-11-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

It's set! Our topic will be "Navigating the Schools with Food Allergies".
We are being blessed by the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association. They will be at the meeting with a presentation to educate parents, teachers and school nurses on how to handle food allergies in the school systems. This is going to be an excellent opportunity for everyone! They will have a plethora of information for us to absorb. Tell everyone you know.
See you Thursday, December 13th @ 6pm
Ledgewood Elementary School Library
11685 South Gate Rd, Roscoe, Il

Tree Nuts without Peanut traces

2007-11-20T12:08:00.000-06:00

I've had a request to help locate tree nuts that have NOT been processed in the same facility with peanuts. I have been searching the organic tree nut providers but as soon as I call them they can't guarantee that they haven't been processed with peanuts. They seem very irritated that I'd even be concerned. UGH!!!
I know that a lot of the organizations believe that the possibility of cross contamination is too high so why risk it? Well because we'd like to bake traditional treats for the holidays, that's why.
If anyone finds anything... please add it as a comment to this post.
Thanks
Bev

Recipes

2007-11-19T19:04:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I've added another element to the blog. RECIPES! Just scroll down to the bottom and you'll see it. =~)
I've started with wheat-free, just because that was our biggest hurdle to jump. I have more so keep looking for updates. I'll also be added recipes for other allergens. I'd like to get a list for each of the top eight allergens; Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts), Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder), Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp), Soy &
Wheat.
If you have any recipes to add just email them to me and I'll add them.
Happy Eating!
Take Heart.
Bev

Next Meeting Right Around the Corner!

2007-11-13T22:54:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving plans are going well. The holidays seem to bring extra stress of making sure our little one's stay safe. Keep in mind that ultimately, God will keep them safe. He can do a much better job than we can.
On that note, Our little Jason has shown no symptoms after two weeks having eating wheat and one week of yeast. HE IS SOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT EATING A NORMAL SANDWICH AGAIN. We will of course, keep close tabs on what he eats and how much so we can monitor him for any surprise symptoms. We are basking in the delight of loosening the reins.
OK enough about me.
What does everyone want to focus on at the next meeting? I'm working on a few options but I want to know if there are specific questions you have. Or is there a situation you need help on? Let's work together to make our jobs as parents of kids with allergies a lot easier. Answers come much quicker when more than one person is researching for an answer. Who knows? Maybe someone has already been through the same situation that you are looking for an answer in?
Sarah & I have realized that very thing. Comfort comes through companionship. Though we would never wish our struggles on anyone.... it's sure nice to know you're not alone.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Take Heart.
Bev

A Must See Resource Event!

2007-10-23T18:42:00.000-05:00

I'm headed to Downers Grove on Sunday to attend the POCA of DuPage Allergy Resource Event. The event will be on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital (OAK Rooms), 3815 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove, IL. from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. I would love to have car loads caravan together. Please email me if you are going. I will coordinate openings for those who need a ride. Go to the the POCA website to see the details. I've talked to the founder of this group and she's done an EXCELLANT job setting up some great opportunities for those living with food allergies. You'll find the website at http://www.pocaofdupage.org .
Talk to you soon!
Take Heart.
Bev Pomering

I need help with meal ideas

2007-10-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

OK. I need some suggestions for wheat, yeast & tomato free meals. I'm running out of ideas. Who am I kidding? I have ran out of ideas.
Anyone have any ideas for convincing a picky 6 year old to try something new? He won't eat white sauces or Alfredo, casseroles or skillet meals. UGH!!! I just spent WAY TOO LONG in the grocery stores and I'm discouraged.
Thanks in advance!
Take Heart
Bev

Get your questions, comments and ideas ....

2007-10-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

and write them down to share them at THIS Thursday's meeting!
That's right the first meeting is this Thursday! We are amped and ready to go! We have resources, samples and TONS OF IDEAS ready to share with you.
Please bring your own ideas and questions! That's what we are all about.
A safe place for us to communicate with each other on subjects we deal with on a daily basis.
Can't wait to meet with you! See you Thursday, October 11th @ 6pm in the Ledgewood School Library. Ledgewood is located at 11685 South Gate Rd, Roscoe, IL.
Have a Great Day!
Take Heart.
Bev

****SEE COMMENTS FOR NOTES FROM THE MEETING*****

YEAH!!!! After 7 months...

2007-09-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

We've finally found a WHEAT FREE, YEAST FREE bread that actually tastes good!
It's made by Kinnikinnick Foods. The Kinni-Kwik Bread & Bun Mix. I was presently surprised when I opened the oven door to see it actually rises like real bread. The boys' comments answered all questions or doubts. "WOW! This tastes better than 'real' bread, Mom."
I'm so excited I needed to share. I hope this prevents someone else trying 20+ dud recipes to finally find the one that works.
Don't give up! And keep in mind... my duds may be your treasures! Everyone's tastes are different and of course our allergen triggers are different too.
Here's a copy of the ingrediant list to see if it will by a good match for you. I've found it available at the Janesville Woodman's. I'll let you know if I find it other places too.
Good luck and Enjoy! Happy Eating!
Ingredients - White Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch, Sugar, Whole Egg Powder, Malto Dextrin, Poly Dextrose, Dextrose, Pea Protein, Glucono Delta Lactone, Egg White Powder, Fructooligosaccharide, Pea Fibre, Sodium Carboxy Methylcellulose, Cellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Rice Bran Extract, Inulin, Salt, Sodium Stearayl Lactylate, Fructose

Take Heart!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! FIRST MEETING IS SCHEDULED.

2007-09-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STATELINE FAST!
Our first meeting is scheduled for October 11th @ Ledgewood School (11685 South Gate Rd, Roscoe, Il.)from 6-8pm. It will be held in the Library, just follow the signs.
We will have flyers & information, resources to look at, samples of allergy-free foods and of course, a chance to talk with others dealing with the same issues.
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!! Tell everyone you know and everyone you meet.
See you at he Kick-Off meeting!
Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

Positions filling up...

2007-08-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

We still are in need of volunteers. Don't assume you wouldn't be a valuable contribution to the group. Anyone who lives a food allergy lifestyle can help another. We can share ideas, hope & just listen to others' concerns. Please spread the word that a meeting will be set up soon. USE THE BLOG!!! It's here for us to chat when we're not in person. Post a question. Post a cool website you found. Post an encouraging word to others. It's easy & fun!
I wish you all a safe & happy back to school week!
Take Heart!

Allergic to the Cafeteria

2007-08-18T08:37:00.000-05:00

Well back to school time is here! What are we to do about school lunches? Can we feel safe with our children eating at the same table with kids without allergies? How much will the school work with us to provide a safe environment or even allergy-free menu?
Is anyone else asking the same questions?
I've found a few links to start the process of making lunch safe for our kids. Please post any other questions you have or ways you've been able to make your school cafeteria a safe place.

Take Heart,
Bev Pomering

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/b2s.food.allergies.html
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_foodschl_hhg.htm
http://www.foodallergy.org/school.html
http://www.foodallergy.org/actionplan.pdf
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Guidance/acccommodating_children.doc
http://www.wrightslaw.com/

Fast Food Restaurants Allergen lists

2007-07-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

Hello.
I've looked up the allergen lists at a few of the area fast food restaurants. I will list the links below. If you have any others, please add a comment to this post listing the link.
Happy Eating.

******UPDATE******
I've created a link list of the restaurant food allergen lists. MUCH EASIER!!!

Thanks
Bev

2007-07-09T20:31:00.000-05:00

Six weeks of summer left! WOW! That's hard to believe, summer is half over.
I'd like to have our kick-off meeting in September. I'm looking into some last minute details before I disclose the date & location.
If you would like to be involved in the details please let me know. Just a couple hours of volunteering can reap a lifetime of rewards.
Is there anyone interested in going to the Allergy Walk in Chicago to benefit FAAN? Look on the FAAN link for details.
Take Heart.
Bev Pomering

Welcome!

2007-07-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

I want to personally welcome everyone to the Stateline F.A.S.T.! I have a deep passion to provide information to others dealing with food allergies. Education is the key but, finding that key can be hard at times. So, that is why I founded this support group. No parent or care-giver should be left in the dark on how to handle the severity of their child's eating requirements.
There will be support meetings set up soon. I'm hoping to get this finalized for the first meeting to be in September. I'm still in need of volunteers willing to give their time to Stateline F.A.S.T.. There are multiple postitions that need to be filled. Most take only a few hours a month to provide an enormous amount of support.
Please share any and all information you find on this blog with EVERYONE you know in a food allergy lifestyle. Success comes with spreading the word that we are NOT alone!
If you know of any professionals willing to provide information at a meeting, please have them contact me.
Take heart,
Bev Pomering