Every year around Halloween children with food allergies struggle to find candy they can eat. That’s why the FARE allergy food walk aims to bring awareness to this issue.

“Having an annual food allergy walk brings awareness and education to the community at large.” Nancy Flores who helps run the walk said.

She started working with the walk after her own son was diagnosed with food allergies.

“My favorite part of the annual food allergy walk is seeing Noah surrounded by people who love and support him.” Flores said.

Although this issue is personal to her, Flores also believes that this walk is  important to the community as a whole.

“Food allergies are a medical condition and a disability,” Flores said, “and as with any condition, one of the main ways to lessen the stigma and misinformation about food allergies is to bring attention and awareness to it.”

The walk attracts many volunteers who want to help bring awareness to the cause.

“I think the food allergy walk will help to raise awareness for certain issues such as rising epipen prices and help the kids enjoy trick or treating without risking eating something they’re allergic to.” senior Clarisse Burns said.

Even though the event is about a serious topic, the volunteers work hard to make the event fun.

“I’m glad they got to enjoy a fun festival centered around something they may find to be frustrating at times.” Burns said.

Having an event like this allows the participants to bond over their common struggles.

“I have made many friends along this journey.” Flores said. “Most importantly, they have reminded me that I am not alone in this food allergy world.”

For many it is also an inspiring occasion.

“It’s been inspiring how motivated they both are and continue to host such an event every year.” Burns said. “Nancy works so hard every year not only to help run this event but others like it and I find that admirable.”