Ben's Menu

You don’t spend close to a decade chasing around a kid with food allergies without picking up some over-the-top habits. Here are my top 10 in no particular order:

#1 – “Wash My Damn Hands”
I can’t take credit for that phrase—it comes from a creator called down.rightdelicious, a vlog starring Drew, who has Down syndrome and loves to cook and grill. But I can say it’s damn good advice. Wash early, wash often.
Maybe I got a little too into handwashing during the pandemic, but honestly? It’s great practice for keeping my whole house safe from cross-contamination. If I sit down with “unsafe” food and Ben asks for something—wash my hands. Not sure what I ate last? Wash my hands. Yeah, it’s a lot, but it works.

#2 – Silverware & Utensils
People are usually pretty mindful about washing their hands around someone with food allergies. Where I catch myself slipping? Utensils.
Example: I use a knife to spread plant-based butter on a bagel that contains Ben’s allergens. Then I go back for more butter—with the same knife. Now my “safe” butter might not be so safe anymore. Is it really contaminated? Probably not. But remember—I told you these tips were over the top.

#3 – Meal Prep Order Matters
Always prep (and cook, if you can) allergy-safe food first. Especially around the holidays or group meals where allergy-friendly dishes are the minority. A little planning here saves a lot of worry later.

#4 – Always Think a Day Ahead
Allergies require planning. Whether it’s a birthday party, a trip, or just a busy weeknight, you’ve got to make sure the right ingredients are on hand or available nearby. Planning ahead means fewer compromises and more peace of mind.

#5 – Know Your Brands
Find brands that are consistently safe for your family, and stick with them. Bigger brands are easier to find when you’re traveling, which can be a lifesaver when you’re away from home.

#6 – Never Stop Reading Labels
Welcome to your new life: reading every package like it’s a legal contract. Even if something was safe before, check again. Brands change recipes. Production lines shift. And yes, it’s annoying—but it’s worth it.

#7 – Advocate for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Lots of people still don’t understand food allergies—because they’ve never had to. I didn’t, until Ben.
So speak up. It’s okay to ask someone to wash their hands or skip the cheek kiss if they’ve eaten something unsafe. It’s okay to double-check with a server or ask them to confirm prep with the chef. You’re not being difficult—you’re being safe.

#8 – Teach Your Kids to Self-Advocate
You’re not always going to be there. So teach your kids early and often how to ask questions, read labels, and speak up.
Ben has known his allergies since he was 3. Now he asks “Is this safe?” before trying anything new. He even carries his own epi pens to school, soccer, and when he’s with other families. (Proud parent moment, not gonna lie.)

#9 – Know Your Emergency Plan
It’s scary, but it’s necessary. Everyone—parents, kids, teachers, caregivers—needs to know what to do in an emergency. That means knowing the signs, how to use an epi pen, and when to call 911.

#10 – Create Safe and Unsafe Zones
We have an “Unsafe Drawer” in our fridge. It holds the dairy and eggs that aren’t safe for Ben. You could flip it—make the whole fridge a safe zone and dedicate one drawer to “safe” foods. Either way, separation helps prevent cross-contamination and makes it easy for your child to know what’s okay to eat.