What it is like to have food allergies

By Zacky Munoz

I would hope to believe that it is ‘normal’ to want to have friends and find your group. I think that is what I wanted the most when I entered school. I mean what kid doesn’t?

I remember it was only that kindergarten year that I really felt like everyone else. I think my mom and dad shielded me a lot.

 Sure, I wasn’t the most athletic kid, I had an obsession with spiderman (still do) and I always spouted off random facts but I  felt like all the other kid. That is until…. I had my first anaphylactic reaction during my 1st grade year after my safe food, at the cafeteria, was switched out for my allergen which resulted in an anaphylactic reaction and epinephrine administration.

It was when I returned to school that feeling ‘different’ came to the surface. It wasn’t good.

Children with food allergies often have challenges to friendship because of our limitations. We sit at a table apart from the rest. We generally bring our own lunch. We sometimes talk about our allergies a lot to ensure that other people don’t forget but they take it more as us “always talking about our allergies”. We get bullied.

Now being in middle school, for my first time, our school has a tradition that involves our class being able to walk down the street on a Friday after school to buy an ice cream, a drink or some snacks. We have to sign up with partners and be back within a short window. I remember my first time going, I was so excited. My parents and I planned it out—what store to go to and what to ask when I got there. In fact, I even took a trip to the area with my mom the week before to scout out the area and stores.  That is what you do when you have allergies… I was ready.

The day came. I signed up with a friend and came home taking about it with my mom on how fun it was. I felt good around friends and food at the same time. I thought the experience was perfect.

However I soon leaned I was wrong because when I went to find a partner the second Friday, no one would sign up with me. I was told I had embarrassed them when I asked the store for the ingredients in the frozen yogurt.  I was crushed. I thought I was discrete and made sure to not cut into our time but I think it was the mere notion that I asked was bothersome and ‘no cool’.

What could I do different? Do I not speak about my allergies so I can blend? Do I just not ask and take the chance?

NO, because my voice is my tool to keep me safe. Luckily I was taught this early on and it was so embedded in my mind that  goes against this instinct is unnatural. But I certainly doubt myself. More importantly, the frustration and sadness I feel is something I have a hard time pushing away. I think that applies to all of us food allergy kids.

We food allergy kids are living with this every day we wake up. Food does not mean instant gratification for us; it means lots of planning and often times a lot of anxiety. However, the more awareness we have around this disease the easier it could get. You see, I wish my friends understood that by me asking for the ingredients, I am trying my best to be part of the group because I want to sit down at the same table, eat the same treat and have the same great experiences they have.

I want them to know that I did not choose this, it chose me. And most importantly, I want them to know it is part of who I am, and I hope they accept all of me.