Hello! My name is Moe Davis. I am 17 years old, and a junior in high school. I have severe allergies to nuts (peanuts and tree nuts) and shellfish, which can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. I was tested for my nut allergy as a young child since my older brother was already diagnosed. It has greatly impacted my life, as well as many kids just like me. I take it all very seriously, sometimes too seriously to the point where I make myself crazy. This fear comes from vague labels, nonreassuring commentary from employees, stories heard about reactions, and experiences of my own. I’ve had a reaction only once, but it was the scariest moment of my life. This reaction was from chicken wings that had almond flour, which was then added to my list of random foods to be worried about. No matter where I go, I feel restricted outside of my own home due to the lack of knowledge and caution taken by restaurants and other food places. When I was younger, I didn’t enjoy going out because of this, and while I’ve gotten older and been able to deal with it sometimes, there is still this lingering fear that won’t go away. I have received the same speech countless times about cross contamination, stating that they aren’t sure if it has nuts, or cannot guarantee it. This can be at a place as simple as a breakfast shop or food stand, but also at certain restaurants that are not accommodating to allergies. I cannot even imagine how difficult it can be for others with more food allergies, or even a higher severity (airborne allergy). I want to create a safer environment in my community, and slowly throughout the whole world, where food allergies are not only recognized, but taken seriously, and understood by the general public.