Iceland Foods has begun a new first of its kind partnership with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) to highlight and fund research into the mental health impact of living with a severe allergy.
An initial three-year partnership, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation will support NARF in the development of a “game-changing” programme to understand the emotional and social toll felt by children and their families as a result of their food allergy.
The aim is to develop practical resources to address “food allergy anxiety” and work with experts to provide support to the nearly one in 13 children who live with a food allergy.
NARF was founded in 2019 by Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse following the death of their 15-year-old daughter Natasha in 2016, from a severe allergic reaction after eating a baguette from Pret a Manger.
The charity aims to “make allergy history” through campaigning, which has included the introduction of Natasha’s Law, which made it mandatory that all pre-packed foods display full ingredient and allergen labelling on packaging.
NARF is also funding a major clinical trial of small dose oral immunotherapy (OIT) treatment, which aims to build the tolerance of children who are allergic to milk or nuts, to reduce the severity of their reactions.
Mental health impact of allergies overlooked
The work Iceland is supporting will focus on the “often-overlooked” mental health strain on children and their families as a result of living with a severe food allergy.
NARF’s research shows that 80% of parents of children with food allergies experience significant worry, while 42% experience the clinical cut-off for post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Furthermore, 83% of people who have a food allergy said it had had a significant impact on their mental wellbeing. Additionally, 65% said they had felt excluded or discriminated against because of their allergies.
“Food allergies can be a debilitating and unpredictable disease, with far-reaching impacts,” said Tanya Ednan-Laperouse.
“In addition to the physical symptoms, the disease can impact on school, work, relationships and mental health, not just of those diagnosed with a food allergy but their families too,” she added. “Those affected often experience extreme allergy anxiety due to the daily challenges they face. As young people grow into adulthood and begin making independent food and lifestyle choices, that anxiety can increase significantly.
“That’s why The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is creating a mental health programme for young people affected by food allergies in partnership with Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation to address this serious challenge and provide the vital support families need – particularly during key life transitions, when mental health concerns are often heightened.”
Iceland is one of a number of UK supermarkets and food and drink companies now working with NARF. It includes foodservice wholesaler Castell Howell, which partnered in June, to fund the charity’s ongoing research work.
Booths, in July 2024, also pledged to donate tens of thousands of pounds to help fund NARF’s clinical trial.
“Allergy anxiety has a profound impact on many of our customers and the communities we serve,” said Tarsem Dhaliwal, Iceland CEO and chair of the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation.
“Through this partnership, we will deliver vital support to young people and families who are often left underserved by current mental health provision.
“This mental health and wellbeing programme in partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation will raise awareness of the seriousness of allergy anxiety while providing the understanding, support and resources needed to transform the lives of those affected,” he added.
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