The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) today announced the completion of their merger, marking a tremendous milestone for the food allergy community. The new organization, known as FARE, will be dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure.
FARE combines FAAN’s expertise as the most trusted source of information, programs and resources related to food allergies with FAI’s leadership as the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research. The organizations first announced their intent to merge in May and recently received the final regulatory approvals.
Building on the significant accomplishments of FAAN and FAI over the past two decades, FARE will fund world-class research that advances treatment and understanding, provide evidence-based education and resources, undertake advocacy at all levels of government, and work to increase awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.
“FARE is committed to serving all those affected by food allergies through research, education, advocacy and awareness,” said John Lehr, CEO of FARE. “Food allergies are a serious and growing public health issue touching every aspect of our society, and it is critical for all of us – whether food-allergic or not – to know how to properly manage this potentially life-threatening condition.”
The merger comes at a crucial time in the national discourse around food allergies. This potentially life-threatening medical condition, which has no cure, affects as many as 15 million people in the U.S., including one in every 13 children – or roughly two in every classroom. With nearly 40 percent of these children already having experienced a severe or life-threatening food-allergic reaction, the need for a cure – and for increased education about the impact of this condition – is urgent.
Through the end of 2012, FAAN and FAI events, public communications and websites will continue with the existing organizations’ names. FARE will debut its new logo and website, which will be located at www.foodallergy.org, in early 2013.
The new organization will be headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In addition to existing offices in New York and Chicago, FARE will have five regional offices covering the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West to help expand fundraising and outreach activities.
