Support Wildfire Victims: A Guide to Providing Allergy-Friendly Meals in Los Angeles

Sidney Price noticed the smoky, orange sky caused by nearby wildfires and felt compelled to help. The Long Beach resident started providing free meals for families affected by the blazes in Los Angeles.

“We want to give these families a bit of normalcy in this chaotic time,” Price shared.

As of mid-January, thousands of residents were under evacuation orders. Those in need can find comfort in the allergy-safe meals offered at Noble Rotisserie. The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering options free from dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and more.

The wildfires began on January 7, ravaging parts of Southern California. Over 12,300 buildings have been lost, and the death toll has reached 27, with the largest fire named Palisades continuing to pose a threat.

In this crisis, many from the food allergy community, like Price, have stepped up to assist their neighbors in need of safe food. This article will highlight valuable resources and options for donating to help families during this difficult time.

For families with food allergies, finding safe meals can feel overwhelming amid the chaos. Price knows that people with dietary restrictions need special care in their food preparation. She and her husband have two children with allergies, so this cause is personal for them.

“We are often reminded how unsettling it is to deal with food allergies,” Price said. “It’s difficult to find trusted food during emergencies.”

Many families have turned to Noble Rotisserie during these trying times. Since appearing on an allergy-friendly resource list, the restaurant has seen an increase in customers searching for safe meals. They serve an average of three to four allergy-sensitive groups a day, often consisting of extended families who’ve evacuated together.

Price mentioned, “We’re here to serve warm meals and support those in need.”

Another resident, Sarah Danna, 23, feels grateful that her home isn’t in danger. Yet, she has started preparing an emergency bag filled with epinephrine auto-injectors, antihistamines, and allergy-friendly snacks. She worries about finding safe food if she has to leave her home, as she can’t risk eating anything without knowing the ingredients.

Danna stated, “There’s so much to juggle while trying to escape from the flames.”

Jeana Zirlin, an activist, also empathizes with affected families. Her son has food allergies, and she is urging help for those displaced. She has teamed up with groups to assist families in locating allergy-safe food options.

Zirlin, an ambassador for Spokin, has reached out to connect with allergy-friendly brands. The app is a go-to for finding safe food resources during the wildfires and supports setting up donations for food pantries catering to those affected.

Others, like Danna, are using their social media platforms to coordinate help. She shared her experience donating allergy-friendly snacks to a family in need.

“There’s a wonderful community of brands stepping up to support,” Danna added.

For those looking to help, various resources are available to donate allergy-friendly foods to those evacuated:

• Spokin Donation Center: On January 18, Spokin will organize a donation center in Burbank from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing allergy-safe items like breakfast biscuits and nut-free snacks.
• Food Pantry Donations: Nonperishable foods can be donated to various locations, including All Peoples Community Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
• Securing Safe Food: This nonprofit is accepting donations to supply food pantries with allergy-friendly items.
• FOODiversity: This organization is collecting allergen-friendly products and has an Amazon wish list available for support.
• Kaléo: They have donated epinephrine auto-injectors to be distributed in affected areas.
• Fonuts: Collecting gluten-free food donations at their location.
• Bread SRSLY: Offering care packages of gluten-free sourdough for displaced families.
• Noble Rotisserie: Providing free allergy-friendly meals for affected families. They cater specifically to those with food allergies.

During tough times like these, it’s heartening to see communities rallying together to support one another. Every bit helps in providing comfort and safety to those impacted by the wildfires.