Food allergies are increasingly common. They have the potential to be life threatening and are affecting all children in our communities.Unlike many chronic conditions, food allergies can impact not only the child and family members that are coping with food allergies but also those that interact with the child. Children with food allergies interact with their communities on a constant basis, and food plays a major role in lots of social activities and daily life. Also, kids have the important job of "just being kids" and participating in sports, parties, play dates, and all the activities that kids need to thrive. They interact with a number of individuals throughout the day and can't only be under the care of their parents or other family members.  Coaches, teachers, hosts of play dates and parties, baby sitters, relatives... lots of people play a role in the routine days of all children, whether you have a food allergy or not. Michael Pistiner, MD, a pediatric allergist from Boston, discusses the important part the community plays in keeping your kids safe from food allergies. More information about Medical Home Chapter Champions Program on Asthma, Allergy and Anaphylaxis