Food allergies among children are becoming more common. There was a 50 percent increase in the prevalence of food allergies between 1997 and 2011, according to a 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. Another 2007 study found seal and whale meat caused allergic reactions among some Alaska Natives. Figuring out what to eat can be a challenge. The problem gets even more complicated with some Native Americans who have to confront poverty and food insecurity.