In my research for resources for families living with food allergies, I learned that New York State did not make the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America's honor roll for 2013. There are several categories in which each state is judged and overall, New York met thirteen of eighteen core policy standards and eight of fifteen extra credit indicators.
They are policies on Awareness, Medication and Treatment, and the School Environment. New York made a noteworthy difference due to the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 which requires New York’s Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to develop policy guidelines for schools to prevent anaphylaxis and deal with medical emergencies resulting from it. Food service personnel are required to have training in serving students with special dietary needs, which includes serving special meals to students with food allergies provided a written statement from their physician is given. Also noteable is the New York State staff development requirements which include continuing education training or funding for school nurses in administration of medications; case management for students with chronic health conditions; identification and tracking of students with chronic health conditions; and teaching self-management to students with chronic health conditions. (Source http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?ID=5&sub=105&cont=783)
Based on my family's experiences, there has been significant progress and support for those with tree nut & peanut allergies, yet there is definitely room for improvement and further awareness.
