THE COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges for families managing food allergies, exacerbating financial and emotional stress. A recent study surveyed caregivers of children with food allergies to understand the pandemic’s impact. Conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, the study gathered responses from 307 individuals, 96% of whom were female. The research highlighted the pandemic’s profound effect on financial stability, food access, and mental health.
More than half of the respondents reported a decrease in household income, with financial stress being significantly more prevalent in families earning under $200,000 per year. Limited access to allergen-free foods posed a critical issue, increasing the risk of allergic reactions. Furthermore, the stress within households intensified, with 76% of participants experiencing increased tension and conflict. Notably, African American respondents were less likely to be members of a food allergy support group, despite studies indicating that non-Hispanic Black children have the highest increasing prevalence of food allergies.
The economic consequences of the pandemic disproportionately affected communities of colour, exacerbating existing disparities in health care, employment, and food security. Disruptions in food supply chains led to shortages of essential products, such as hypoallergenic formulas, further impacting vulnerable infants. The study also found that higher-income families reported more cases of tree nut allergies, possibly reflecting increased healthcare access and awareness among those with greater financial resources.
Mental health concerns were prevalent, with nearly all families experiencing stress and 94% reporting increased social isolation. Interestingly, non-Hispanic White participants were more likely to cancel domestic travel compared to African American respondents. Despite limited access to healthcare providers, COVID-19 hospitalisation rates were consistent across racial and ethnic groups. However, disruptions in healthcare access posed challenges for managing food allergies, which require consistent medical oversight.
While the study provided valuable insights, its limitations include a sample predominantly comprising highly educated, higher-income, female respondents, which may not fully represent the broader population. Future research should explore long-term effects and consider the role of artificial intelligence in mitigating pandemic-related challenges. The findings underscore the need for proactive strategies to support food allergy families in future public health crises.
Reference
Pitt T, Hearrell M, Huang X, Staggers KA, Davis CM. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multicultural families with food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob. 2025;4(2):100438. Published 2025 Feb 12. doi:10.1016/j.jacig.2025.100438
