Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Next meeting - Thursday, December 13th @ 6pm

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Tree Nuts without Peanut traces

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

Monday, November 19, 2007

Recipes

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Next Meeting Right Around the Corner!

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

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A Must See Resource Event!

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

Saturday, October 13, 2007

I need help with meal ideas

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

Monday, October 8, 2007

Get your questions, comments and ideas ....

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*****

Thursday, September 27, 2007

YEAH!!!! After 7 months...

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!

Friday, September 14, 2007

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

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

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Positions filling up...

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!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Allergic to the Cafeteria

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/

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Fast Food Restaurants Allergen lists

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

Monday, July 9, 2007

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

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Welcome!

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