Food allergy awareness is crucial for the millions of people with food allergies, especially those of us dealing with lesser-known conditions like alpha-gal syndrome. Here are several easy ways that you can help build understanding and support for alpha-gal syndrome during Food Allergy Awareness Week, Food Allergy Awareness Month, and all year long.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
It’s May! While the fifth month of the year is best known for Mother’s Day, graduations, and the unofficial beginning of the summer wedding season, it’s also food allergy action month. And while the strains of Pomp & Circumstance and vows of “I do!” may not be in your near future, the alpha-gal food allergy that unites us may pique your interest in Food Allergy Awareness Week beginning May 11th.
While more than 33 million American adults and children have food allergies, the “big nine” most common food allergens responsible for most do not include the ones that typically trigger alpha-gal reactions. Here are a few easy ways you can help build awareness of alpha-gal syndrome, one of the fastest growing food allergies in the United States, and support those learning to live with this often misdiagnosed and widely misunderstood allergy.
In This Article
When is Food Allergy Awareness Month?
Food Allergy Awareness Month is observed each May, with a dedicated stretch known as Food Allergy Awareness Week. In 2025, Food Allergy Awareness Week will take place from May 11th to 17th in 2025.
This annual spotlight is designed to educate the public, build empathy, and improve the lives of the millions of Americans living with food allergies — including those managing lesser-known conditions like alpha-gal syndrome. It’s a chance for schools, communities, and advocacy groups to rally around awareness, share educational resources, and encourage safer, more inclusive practices for those with dietary restrictions.
For alpha gals, Food Allergy Awareness Month is a perfect time to speak up, share our stories, and advocate for better understanding of this delayed-onset, tick-borne meat allergy. While peanuts, gluten, and shellfish might dominate the conversation, alpha-gal syndrome deserves a seat at the table — or maybe its own table altogether!
How Alpha-gal Syndrome Compares to Other Food Allergies
Alpha-gal syndrome isn’t your typical food allergy. While most people think of peanuts, shellfish, gluten, or dairy when it comes to food allergies, AGS brings a very different set of challenges to the table — including a delay in symptoms, uncommon triggers, and low public awareness. Here’s how it stacks up:
The bottom line? AGS is still flying under the radar. That’s exactly why awareness — especially during Food Allergy Awareness Week — matters so much!
Focusing on AGS During Food Allergy Awarness Month
Now that you know why raising awareness about alpha-gal syndrome matters, let’s talk about how you can help. Whether you’re living with AGS or supporting someone who is, small steps can make a big difference — especially during Food Allergy Awareness Month.
1. Share Your Story
Personal experiences resonate with others and help raise awareness of AGS. Whether you’ve experienced an allergic reaction or are helping a loved one adapt to life with alpha-gal, I encourage you to share your story.
It can be as easy as crafting a social media post using the hashtags #FoodAllergyAwareness, #AlphaGalSyndrome, and #AllergyAlly. Or, you can be interviewed for Beyond the Bite, my new series here at Sage Alpha Gal. Sharing your experiences with alpha-gal can help increase awareness and help a newly diagnosed person adapt to their new normal more quickly.
2. Participate in Local Events
Look for local Food Allergy Awareness Month events in your area and join in the activities. By participating, you can learn more about alpha-gal while building a sense of community and belonging within the community.
3. Be a Friendly Advocate
If you’ve been living with alpha-gal for a while, share your experience with someone newly diagnosed. There are many alpha-gal support groups on Facebook, and each group has plenty of newly diagnosed alpha gals seeking guidance.
A little empathy and friendly advice go a long way. And when you have a condition like AGS that is not well known, your firsthand experience as a food allergy advocate can play an essential role in supporting and educating others.
4. Say Thank You
Is there a nurse, dietician, primary care physician, allergist, or other healthcare professional that has helped you diagnose and manage your alpha-gal allergy? Are there teachers, friends, co-workers, or other people who consistently go above and beyond to keep you or your loved one with AGS safe? Take a minute to say thanks via a heartfelt note of gratitude or another thoughtful gesture.
5. Work Toward Change
Are you discouraged that many healthcare professionals still haven’t heard of AGS or cannot provide sound advice on managing it? Do you feel frustrated because food labels don’t highlight mammalian products as they do for peanuts, eggs, soybeans, and other major food allergens? Do you avoid taking medication, including prescription drugs, because you are afraid of hidden ingredients? Join the Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund and help advocate for change!
There is no fee to join the action fund, and you’ll:
- Receive advocacy program updates,
- Gain access to advocacy tools,
- Be invited to participate in advocacy events,
- and more!
6. Educate Others About Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Many people — including some medical professionals — are still unaware of this unique food allergy. For proof, just head over to FARE, the nonprofit that founded Food Allergy Awareness Week, and search for alpha-gal syndrome. As of this writing, you’ll find a small handful of results. When this article was originally published in May 2023, there were only seven, most dating back to 2018 and 2019 — and none especially detailed or helpful.
While it’s encouraging to see a few new pieces added since then, it’s clear we still have a long way to go in raising awareness about AGS. Food Allergy Awareness Week is the perfect time to take action. Gather your favorite resources, articles, and alpha-gal-friendly recipes here at Sage Alpha Gal and share them. Post them on social media. Email them to family and friends. Print one out and leave it at your doctor’s office. The more we share, the more we educate — and the more likely it is that AGS finally gets the recognition it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergy Awareness
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Food Allergy Awareness Month and Food Allergy Awareness Week.
What is Food Allergy Awareness Week?
Food Allergy Awareness Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness about food allergies and promote understanding and support for those living with life-threatening food allergies. The week includes educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and community-building activities.
Who founded Food Allergy Awareness Week?
Food Allergy Awareness Week was founded in 1998 by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), now known as the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization.
What is a food allergy awareness law?
A food allergy awareness law is a piece of legislation that aims to increase public awareness about food allergies, promote safe food handling practices in food service establishments, and protect individuals with food allergies. These laws may require training for food service workers, clear food labeling, and the availability of epinephrine in schools and public places. Unfortunately, for people living with alpha-gal syndrome, much of the current legislation doesn’t fully support our food allergy.
What states have food allergy awareness laws?
Although Massachusetts was the first state to pass a food allergy awareness law to help restaurants understand allergens and safely serve people with food allergies. Several states now have some type of food allergy law, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Several of these laws are designed to protect kids with food allergies by requiring schools to stock epinephrine and educate school staff on how to administer it.
What Other Ways Do You Build Understanding and Support for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Whether it’s during Food Allergy Awareness Week or another time of the year, what are some ways you help build understanding and support for alpha-gal syndrome? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Such an informative article!
Thank you for your encouragement and advice for those of us living with Alpha-Gal. It is a true “brightener” every week. As I search the internet for “safe” answers, I am seeing the name Sage Scott more and more often in answers to my questions. Way to go!!
Awwww, thank you for your kind words! <3
My sister was recently diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome and I have been researching ways to support her. Really appreciate your site and this awareness post! Our families are donating to the Alpha-Gal Action Fund!!
I’m so sorry your sister was recently diagnosed. I hope she is able to get the hang of her new normal easily. Fortunately, there is a growing number of alpha gals willing to help!
Hi Sage, I appreciate your blog and emails. I too am a Missouri girl(in the heart of the ozarks aka “tick country”) who was diagnosed with AGS last fall after a late spring and summer of horrible digestive issues. I was actually put on the right path by the Natural Food store proprietor who recognized my symptoms during a conversation regarding them. I immediately began eliminating mammalian products, which improved my symptoms within two days, was then tested and diagnosed. I’m not sure my PCP would have recognized my symptoms with out the information I was able to give her.
A question, I noticed the turquoise (possibly teal or aqua 🙂 ribbon in the last e-mail. Is this a symbol for food allergies and/or AGS ? It occurs to me that wearing one would be a great conversation starter to educate people. Just a thought. Thanks again.
Hi Mary! I actually live on the Kansas side of the state line here in Kansas City, but hello neighbor!
Great idea! And, yes, teal is the color associated with food allergy awareness across all food allergies. (Think teal pumpkins at Halloween.) Thanks for stopping by and sharing your idea!