BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Bills coach Sean McDermott will join representatives from Wegmans and FeedMore WNY on Thursday to promote a donation campaign for allergen-friendly foods, an issue near and dear to the McDermott family.
“We’ve experienced now firsthand having to use the EpiPen when foods that my daughter is allergic to have been consumed,” McDermott told the Bills website in 2021. “And it’s not fun, I can promise you that.”
McDermott said his oldest daughter was born with a severe nut and tree nut allergy and that his son has a sesame allergy.
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit that advocates for those with food allergies, says more than 30 million Americans have food allergies, which can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences.
FARE says more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions. The most common allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish, and sesame.
“You always have to know where a hospital is or where an urgent care is, even if you just go on vacation,” McDermott told the team website. “But there are still times, though, that things inadvertently come into play, with school treats that come in … you don’t know what’s in those. So yes, we do worry.”
The Buffalo Bills Foundation and Wegmans want the community to match their $20,000 contribution by donating at the checkout register at local Wegmans stores this weekend, May 3-4. The proceeds will help FeedMore combat food insecurity for those with food allergies or special dietary needs across our area.
“For those experiencing food insecurity, it can be a challenge to find foods that are free of allergens from their local food pantries,” Wegmans said in a press release. Thus, this campaign was born.
“I think, from an awareness standpoint … that people need to be aware of these underlying conditions,” McDermott added. “And also, for people in particular who aren’t affected, to be conscious of — and conscientious of — those kids in those [classrooms] that are affected by this. Because these are severe, and in some cases, possibly deadly situations.”