Tips for parents of kids with food allergies

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- As parents prepare for back to school, those with kids who have food allergies are encouraged to maintain an open dialogue with the school district.

Dr. Edwin Kim, Director of UNC's Food Allergy Initiative Group, says 1 in 13 kids have some sort of food allergy, noting that reports of food allergies have been on the increase in recent years. The reason for that surge is unknown.

Logan Mojica is one of those kids with allergies.

"I'm actually allergic to nuts and cats" Logan said.

Logan's mom, Jennifer says that she keeps communication lines between Logan's teachers and administrators open. She also has had numerous conversations with Logan about his allergies. As it turns out, sharing isn't always caring.

"He knows what to do and what not to do if someone offers him food" Jennifer said.

For parents with a child not suffering with a food allergy, Dr. Kim says that it's still a good idea to have a talk with your kids making them aware that some kids may not be able to engage in the same diet.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES FROM THE FDA