Pasadena Resident Joins Advisory Committee of National Food Allergy Advocacy Group

A Pasadena woman and longtime advocate for those suffering from food allergies has been selected to join an advisory committee for the national organization Food Allergy Research & Education, the group announced this week.

Priscilla Hernandez has been named to FARE’s Advocacy Advisory Committee, the organization said in a written statement announcing numerous leadership changes.

“She serves as a FARE National Ambassador and has developed, initiated, and sponsored state legislation presented by the California Assembly, AB-3064 Pupil Health: Food Allergies: Guidelines, commonly referred to as the Zacky Bill,” the statement said.

“Inspired by her son Zacky, who suffers from life-threatening food allergies, the bill aims to establish uniformed food allergy guidelines and best practices within local education agencies,” according to the statement. “The bill seeks to help parents whose children suffer from life-threatening food allergies navigate through often complex systems.”

Hernandez serves as vice president of the Hollenbeck Police Business Council, which provides after-school programming in the East Los Angeles area, and served as a deputy director under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Advocacy Committee will work to support FARE’s education programs, events and government collaborations, the group said.

“In addition, the committee will provide strategic guidance on a variety of important issues including access, choice and affordability to safe food and medical care and the impact of food allergies in WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and other federally funded nutrition programs,” the statement said.

More information on FARE is available on the organization’s website at foodallergy.org.