There is an article published on the NY Times website on May 14th of this year talking about the struggles of families that have true food allergies. If you want to read the full article go HERE.
I can tell you from the Taylor standpoint the amount of money we spend in co-pays, deductibles and specialty foods far outweighs most peoples budgets. Yes some people dealing with cancer and other lifelong illnesses are in the same boat we are. Although I would estimate we spend more per month on Lynda's specialty food required for her than the other three folks in the household (Scary it was still true when Matt lived here too).
“The loss of income and the additional costs associated with food allergies can have a significant financial impact,” Dr. Perry said the article states.
The other issue is that families with serious food allergies tend never to get ahead. It only takes one bite or someone who did not wash their hands after exposure to peanuts or milk and we have a several hundred or thousand dollar medical bill. It is hard for many people to comprehend. And if either of us is out of work-that puts a larger strain on the family finances.
"Take a quick look at any health food store and you will immediately notice the high prices. Factor in the dozens of special products people with food allergies need, and you have a huge grocery bill. " the article continues- many of these food items need to be produced in facilities that also do not produce items with tree nuts, peanuts or milk.
Most of the public does not realize how much their food is cross contaminated. The same equipment that makes your M&M's also makes the Mars Bar with peanuts.
Moral of the story- if you have a child with food allergies- watch every dollar even in the good times, if you don't... pray for those who do.
Have a great week.
The Taylor's
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