Building a vibrant community of local food allergy moms, who offer each other advice, resources, and solidarity.
By Hillary Carter
Photography by ChiChi Ubina
How did you get involved with food allergy awareness and advocacy?
All of my work is inspired by my two boys, who were diagnosed with multiple, potentially life-threatening food allergies very early in their lives.
My oldest son had a mild reaction to his first bite of peanut butter at two and a half years old. Just months later, my youngest son experienced a terrifying anaphylactic reaction to his first bite of banana. After follow-up testing with a local allergist, we learned they had over thirty combined food allergies.
As young parents, we were blindsided. Food became the enemy. It was overwhelming and frightening to figure out how to feed our children safely and ensure they were included in daily life.
To advocate effectively, I had to educate myself. My first stop was FARE, a national nonprofit dedicated to food allergy research and education. I read every page of their site. I was determined to learn everything I could so I could care for my boys with confidence.
But I quickly realized how little understanding and support existed for food allergy families like mine. Thankfully, I met another newly diagnosed allergy mom in my neighborhood. She became one of my closest friends, and together we began working with FARE to build a local support network.
We co-chaired FARE Walks and fundraisers, and helped connect over 100 local food allergy moms. I also became a FARE spokesperson—participating in media interviews, speaking engagements, video projects, and even launching a YouTube series called Take Action! with Hillary Carter.
Today, I serve on FARE’s Board of Governors. Using my voice and skills to help other families has been one of the great honors of my life.
Tell us about Latitude and WebMD
Created by food allergy families for food allergy families, Latitude provides gold-standard allergy testing and evidence-based treatment protocols, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). They have seven clinics across California and New York—including a new one in Westchester.
We were initially told by several allergists that our sons’ food allergies were too complex to treat. But in 2021, after connecting with Latitude’s founder (and fellow allergy mom) Kim Yates, we flew to California and began their comprehensive care program.
My oldest son started OIT for peanut and cashew, and my youngest for peanut, cashew, dairy, wheat, and egg.
Three years later:
- My oldest son has cleared all his allergies and passed a 16-nut challenge.
- My youngest is making great progress on low-dose OIT and just added Xolair, a medication that helps reduce the risk of severe reactions and increase tolerance.
The care, compassion, and precision Latitude offers is truly unmatched. I was so inspired that my husband and I became investors to help bring their model to New York. I now serve on their Board of Directors, advising on communications and strategy. And we’re excited to announce Latitude is opening a clinic in Los Angeles this summer!
As for WebMD, one of their editors discovered my Instagram and invited me to write for their new Food Allergy Patient Blog. It’s been a joy to contribute 17 articles so far, offering encouragement, perspective, and practical guidance to fellow allergy families.
Latitude focuses on early intervention to help children outgrow food allergies. Have you seen results that inspired you?
The science around food allergies has evolved so much in the past decade. We now know that early introduction of allergens can help prevent food allergies in infants. But doing that safely—especially if there’s a family history—can be scary.
That’s where expert care providers like Latitude make all the difference. They offer safe, supervised ways to test and introduce foods and, if necessary, begin treatment early.
While OIT can be effective at any age (as my boys’ journey shows), starting young gives children the best chance at freedom from allergies—and freedom from fear. That’s powerful.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about food allergies?
There are many, but these three top the list:
- Food allergies are not a preference or intolerance—they are a disease.
Food allergies are serious and potentially life-threatening. They affect 33 million Americans, and people can be allergic to any food—not just the top nine. - There’s no such thing as a mild food allergy—only mild reactions.
A reaction might seem mild once but could be severe the next time. So much depends on context: dose, illness, exercise, even emotions. - Benadryl does not treat anaphylaxis—only epinephrine does.
Epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for a severe allergic reaction. Always carry two auto-injectors and use them fast: epi first, epi fast.
Has your advocacy influenced how you entertain or cook at home?
Yes—and in positive ways.
We’ve become highly aware of nutrition, ingredients, and how food affects our bodies. Both my boys enjoy cooking—especially baking and grilling—and they take pride in learning how to prepare safe, delicious meals.
We entertain at home often. I always ask about guests’ allergies and am happy to make adjustments. A little effort goes a long way in making people feel safe and welcomed.
What’s next for you?
Personally, I’m enjoying the incredible milestone of seeing my older son eat freely without fear. After years of high alert, it’s surreal and beautiful. I’m also encouraged by my younger son’s continued progress and excited to see where his journey leads.
Professionally, I’m passionate about expanding access to treatment and education—especially through Latitude, WebMD, and broader public outreach. I plan to continue writing and speaking, with a focus on empowering families and shifting the public understanding of what life with food allergies can look like.
We’re not just surviving anymore—we’re thriving. That’s the message I want every family to know: healing is possible, and you are not alone.
Resources
Education:
FARE and FAACT offer clear, accurate information.
Community & News:
Allergic Living, Allergy Force, and Spokin are full of helpful stories and insights.
Safe food options:
Snack Safely Guide and Spokin offer detailed product reviews and allergy labeling info.
Innovation & Research:
FASI (Food Allergy Science Initiative) is doing extraordinary work to understand the root causes of food allergy and develop new therapies.
Treatment:
If you’re seeking care, I wholeheartedly recommend Latitude Food Allergy Care.