Food Allergy Made Easy | Food Allergy Education Using Research & Experience, Living With Food Allergies, Food Allergy Awareness & Safety

67|BBQs, Potlucks & Food Allergies

Hey food allergy mama!
Have you ever turned down a BBQ or potluck invite just because it felt like too much? The planning, the label-checking, the explaining, the watching—it can all feel so overwhelming. Honestly, there were summers when I skipped more events than I went to. Not because I didn’t want to go, but because it just felt easier to stay home than to manage all the moving pieces.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a story from a few years ago—back when we were adjusting to food allergies—and just the thought of going to a block party made me want to hide. I’ll walk you through how I got out of that “low” place and found a way to make social events feel more doable, even enjoyable.
If you’ve ever felt that mix of exhaustion and loneliness when everyone else seems to be out having summer fun—this one’s for you. Or maybe you just want some tips so that you don’t have to avoid summer fun in the first place. Stick with me to the end, because I’m also sharing a few practical things that helped us feel more included and less overwhelmed at potlucks and BBQs.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor & Travel Advisor
NEXT STEPS
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Choose the food allergy help you need today:
Food Allergy Travel Advisor Services
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Our Family’s Travel Secrets Mailing List: www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide
34|5 Tips for Playdates With Food Allergies
43| Managing Food Freedom Envy So You Can Go From Allergy Anxiety to Peace
 

66| How To Store EpiPens in Hot Weather

Hey Food Allergy Mama!
It’s a summer Saturday. The family is heading to a splash pad picnic with some friends. Sunscreen? Check. Towels? Check. Cooler full of snacks? Double check. They even remembered the epinephrine!
They get to the park, unload everything, and start setting up. The kids run off squealing into the water, and the grownups get busy laying out blankets and trying to find a bit of shade. A few hours go by, everyone’s hot and happy, and then it’s time for lunch.
That’s when Mom realizes—uh oh. The epinephrine is still in the glove compartment. She runs to grab it, and the second she opens the car door, it’s like a wall of heat hits her. It’s got to be 100 degrees in there, maybe more. She pulls the pen out, and it’s warm to the touch.
She panics for a second. Is it ruined? Is it still okay to use? Should they leave? Should they eat? And of course, the guilt creeps in. “How did I forget this? I know better.”
But here’s the thing: it happens, even to the most seasoned allergy parents. In this episode, we’re going to talk about why temperature matters when it comes to epinephrine—and how to avoid this moment altogether, without needing to be perfect.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Travel Advisor & Mentor at Friendly Pantry Consulting Inc.
Next Steps:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist(for the first year after diagnosis)
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7)
Our Family’s Travel Secrets Mailing List
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
59| Allergies While Traveling: Tips For Choosing Your Destination
56| 3 Food Allergy Myths I Got Wrong & How I Fixed Them
11| Navigating Birthday Parties With Food Allergies Like a Pro: Your 3-Step Guide
 
 
 

65|Food Allergy Mom Burnout: What I Learned After Getting Sick

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
If you’ve been running on empty, pushing through the never-ending list of what your child needs to stay safe, this episode is for you. I’m not here to talk about bubble baths or mani-pedis—because let’s be honest, that kind of self-care doesn’t touch the mental weight we carry.
I’m sharing what happened when my body finally told me to slow down. I got sick with more than a cold or flu. Nothing too serious, but it was enough to make me stop, reflect, and realize just how much I’d been carrying. If you’ve been brushing off your own needs, thinking you’ll deal with them later, this episode will remind you how important you are. 
I hope this episode is your source of encouragement and kindness this Mother's Day.  I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor and Travel Advisor
Next Steps:
1. Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
2. Get the food allergy help you need:
Enroll in the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Enroll in the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Enroll in the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack , and add the Get Others To Take Food Allergies Seriously Workshop to get 50% off
 
3. Get the free resources:
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7):
https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Newly Diagnosed Checklist (for the first year after diagnosis):
https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
4. Listen to Related Episodes:
Episode #4: Truth Bomb: Why Educating Teachers About Food Allergies is Crucial, Whether You Have a 504 Allergy Plan or Not
Episode #6: The Top Secret Food Allergy Information Every Allergy Family Needs
Episode #54| Calming Everyday Food Allergy Anxiety
Episode #56| 3 Food Allergy Myths I Got Wrong & How I Fixed Them
 
 
 
 

64| How To Find & Train A Babysitter or Nanny For Your Food Allergy Child

Hey Food Allergy Mama!
Today, we’re diving into a big one—how to find and train a babysitter or nanny when your child has food allergies. I know it can feel like a huge leap to leave your child in someone else’s care, especially when food allergies are part of the equation. But with the right steps, you can do it—and even feel okay about it too.
Whether you're heading to a much-needed date night, work event, or honestly just Target alone (I see you), today's episode will help you feel way more confident about how to prepare someone else to care for your child safely.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor and Travel Advisor
Next Steps:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Choose the food allergy help you need today:
Grab the Social Event Survival Pack
Join the Food Allergy Travel Workshop
Join the Get Over The Fear of Trying New Foods Workshop.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Join the Dining Out With Food Allergies Workshop
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new 
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Our Family’s Travel Secrets Mailing List: https://www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets 
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
34| Playdates With Food Allergies: 5 Tips You Need Before You Go
48| How to Set Allergy Goals That Empower Your Food Allergy Kid For The Future
63| Preschool, Daycare and School: 8 Essentail Allergy Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
 
Check out the resources mentioned in this show:
AAAAI Anaphylaxis Symptoms
Anaphylaxis Plan.
 
 

63| Preschool, Day Care & School: Crucial Food Allergy Questions To Ask Before Enrolling

Hey there, food allergy mama!
After 18 years of navigating food allergies and 15 years of school experience, I know just how overwhelming it can feel to hand your little one over to someone else. Trust me, I’ve been there. Add food allergies to the mix, and it can feel like the most stressful decision ever.
But you don’t have to figure this out alone. Today, I’m sharing the exact questions I would ask preschools, daycares, and schools if I were doing it all over again. These questions are designed to help you feel confident and empowered as you search for a safe and supportive environment for your child. And here’s a bonus: they work for kindergarten and elementary schools too!
And because I know how much peace of mind matters, I’ve also created a stress-relieving School Allergy Plan Template. This resource goes beyond today’s questions and dives deep into what food allergy safety at school can look like. I’ll tell you more about that later, so stick around!
You won’t want to miss the most important questions at the end — they could make all the difference. So grab your favorite drink, take a deep breath, and let's get to it.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor and Food Allergy Travel Advisor
Next Steps:
Subscribe to this podcast and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Grab the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack (The School Success Pack is only $15 when you buy it at the same time as the School Food Allergy Plan Template).
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Our Family’s Travel Secrets Mailing List: www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets
Read The Blog
Listen To Related Episodes:
17| Two Ways To Develop Your Allergy Letter Template For School
19| Kindergarten Readiness: A Food Allergy Parent’s Essential Guide
25| 3 Mistakes I Made With Food Allergy Safety At School & How To Avoid Them
62|School With Food Allergies:3 Things To Do Right Away

62| School With Food Allergies: 3 Things To Do Right Away

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
School may feel like it’s months away, but trust me—what you do now can make ALL the difference when that first bell rings. Whether you’re sending your little one to preschool for the first time or navigating middle school with food allergies, the steps you take today can make the transition smoother, safer, and way less stressful.
In this episode, I’m sharing the 3 things you can do NOW to set your child up for success this fall—because the last thing you want is a last-minute scramble for paperwork, safe snacks, or a meeting with a school that’s already in full swing.
Plus, stick with me to the end because I’ll tell you the ONE mistake many parents make that can make things harder when school starts—and how to avoid it.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Prepare with the School Food Allergy Template & School Success Pack
Get The Free Resources:
Newly Diagnosed Checklist: https://www.friendlypantry.com/new
Food Allergy Kids Empowerment Guide(for kids aged 2-7): https://www.friendlypantry.com/empowerment
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
25| 3 Mistakes I Made With Food Allergy Safety At School & How To Avoid Them
26| School Supply Essentials For Kids With Food Allergies
27|Your Allergy Action Plan For School: 6 Essential Tips
56| 3 Food Allergy Myths I Got Wrong & How I Fixed Them
 

61|School Trips & Food Allergies: What I Wish I Knew Before an International Band Trip

Hey Food Allergy Moms
Traveling with food allergies is always an adventure, but what happens when your child is on a school trip—far from home, surrounded by people who might not get it, and eating food you didn’t prepare? That’s what I recently experienced on an international band trip and let me tell you, it was enlightening!
In this episode I’m sharing our experience, what went right, what went wrong and the unexpected moments every food allergy parent needs to hear. Whether your child is still little and you’re wondering what high school will be like or tips for field trips, OR you’ve got a tween or teen who’s interested in a school trip, this episode will give you real-life insight into food allergies when you’re not in control.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor and Travel Advisor 
Next Steps
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Get on our family’s food allergy travel secrets mailing list (It's free!): www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets
Learn more about my Food Allergy Travel Advisor Services
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
52| 3 Myths About Traveling With Food Allergies That Families Need To Stop Believing
51|Top Tips for Flying With Food Allergies
59| Allergies While Traveling: Tips For Choosing Your Destination
 
 
 

60| Dining Out With Food Allergies While Traveling: 3 Costly Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
You thought you did everything right—you researched, checked reviews, even got recommendations from other food allergy families. But when you finally arrive at the restaurant, something feels off. The staff looks unsure, their answers are vague, and suddenly, you’re questioning if this place is actually allergy safe. And the worst part? You don’t have a backup plan. Now you’re standing there with hungry, tired kids, scrambling for what to do next.
Dining out with food allergies is never simple, but throw in the unpredictability of travel, and it gets even trickier. In today’s episode, we’re talking about three BIG mistakes food allergy families make when eating out on vacation—and, more importantly, what to do instead. 
I’ll share the lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. If you’re dining out with food allergies, at home or on vacation, this episode will make it easier, safer, and way less stressful.
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it.
Ready to chat about your next trip?
💌 Email me at corinna.meckelborg@fora.travel
Get The Free Resources:
Sign up for our Family’s Travel Secrets Mailing List: www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets
Read The Blog
Listen to Related Episodes:
2| 7 Food Allergy Myths & Errors I've Made, And What To Do Instead
49| 5 Best Places For Traveling With Food Allergies
56| 3 Food Allergy Myths I Got Wrong & How I Fixed Them
 
 
 

59|Traveling With Food Allergies? Tips for Choosing Your Destination

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
If you’re traveling with food allergies, the idea of planning your trip can feel totally overwhelming. Where should you go? How do you make sure it’s as safe as possible? And how do you enjoy it instead of stressing the whole time? 
In this episode, I’m breaking it all down—how to choose a destination, what to look for, and what to avoid. And be sure to stick around until the end, because there’s one common mistake that can make or break your trip—and you don’t want to overlook it!
I'm cheering for you!
Corinna
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe to this podcast, and give it a review.  Your review makes the podcast easier to find for families that need it!
Ready to plan your next trip?
Go to www.friendlypantry.com/traveladvisor or email me at corinna.meckelborg@fora.travel
Get Our Family's Food Allergy Travel Secrets right in your inbox.
Read The Blog
Listen To Related Episodes:
23|Disney With Food Allergies: 3 Things You Need To Know
49| 5 Best Places For Traveling With Food Allergies
52| 3 Myths About Traveling With Food Allergies That Families Need To Stop Believing
 
 
 

58| Big Announcement Episode! A Big Change Coming for Food Allergy Families

Hey Food Allergy Mama,
I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode.
I have some big news to share today—something that’s going to make a real difference for food allergy families who love (or want to love) traveling. 
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of planning a safe trip with food allergies, or maybe you’re not at the travel stage yet, but you want to build confidence & prepare for the future, this episode is for you. I’m making an exciting change, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. 
I'm cheering for you,
Corinna
Food Allergy Mentor at Friendly Pantry Consulting
NEXT STEPS:
Email me if you're ready to book a trip: corinna@friendlypantry.com
Get Our Family’s Travel Secrets Right To Your Inbox: https://www.friendlypantry.com/travelsecrets 
 
Listen to Related Episodes:
23|Disney With Food Allergies: 3 Things You Need To Know
49| 5 Best Places For Traveling With Food Allergies
52| 3 Myths About Traveling With Food Allergies That Families Need To Stop Believing