ATLANTA — National Peanut Board’s (NPB) relationship with the food allergy community has certainly evolved since its inception. Way back when it started, NPB and the peanut industry were widely viewed with skepticism – even as the enemy! Fortunately, things have changed in wonderful ways. In fact, I would say that NPB is living the original Board’s goal of being “part of the solution” to the challenge of food allergies.
NPB’s commitment to be part of the solution for those with food allergies shows in ongoing support of the food allergy community. NPB has had a long-term partnership with food allergy advocacy organization Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT).
FAACT’s mission is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. NPB has been a sponsor since its beginning ten years ago, including sponsoring the organization’s Food Industry and Research Summit. At this year’s event in September, Ryan Lepicier, NPB chief marketing officer, expressed his appreciation for Garrow-Holding and the food allergy community while providing an update of the industry and America’s peanut farms. Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD spoke about the many initiatives that NPB supports including helping to promote early introduction of peanut foods to help prevent peanut allergies and comprehensive approaches to food allergy management in K-12 schools, among others.
Over the years, NPB has invested more than $36 million into food allergy research, education and outreach. Through this effort, America’s peanut farmers have supported early research that opened doors and provided seed funding for life-altering studies and intervention, including supporting the research team that conducted the groundbreaking LEAP trial. Because of his leadership in this area on behalf of NPB over the past decade, Bob Parker, NPB president and CEO, was recognized with the 2023 FARE Food Allergy Champion Award. FARE stands for Food Allergy Research & Education and is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with food allergies, empowering them to lead safe, productive lives with the respect of others through education and advocacy initiatives and improved awareness around healthcare options and treatment – a mission NPB can certainly get behind too.
“Bob’s commitment on behalf of NPB has made a significant difference in the work that FARE does to advocate on behalf of Americans with food allergies,” said Sung Poblete, CEO FARE. “We are grateful for his leadership and support of the food allergy community and happy to recognize him with this award.”
–Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD, National Peanut Board
