Hadley, the Happy and Helpful Hadrosaurus: A Yummy Tale about Creating a Space Where Friends with Food Allergies Feel Safe, Loved, and Included

Hadley, the Happy and Helpful Hadrosaurus knows that life can sometimes be tricky when it comes to food. Certain foods can make her very sick. She has a delicious idea that will be fun with her friends, and will also help others! This yummy tale is about creating an environment where all friends feel safe and loved. Small actions can make a big difference! FRIENDSHIP IS THE BEST INGREDIENT IN EVERY RECIPE.

"Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 8% of children in the United States.1 That's 1 in 13 children, or about 2 students per classroom. A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods.2 The body's immune response can be severe and life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis. Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.

There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. However, because it is not always easy or possible to avoid certain foods, staff in schools, out-of-school time, and early care and education programs (ECE) should develop plans for preventing an allergic reaction and responding to a food allergy emergency, including anaphylaxis. Early and quick recognition and treatment can prevent serious health problems or death.

Eight foods or food groups account for most serious allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts." - CDC (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION)