Safe to Eat
Because every child deserves food they can trust
Safe To Eat, is a youth led initiative advocating for allergy safe options in domestic violence and homeless shelters. Founded by teen policy advocate Devin August Sailer, we fight for visibility, dignity and safety- one meal at a time.
Our Safe Food Story
At Safe to eat, we believe food is not a luxury- it's a lifeline.
We exist to ensure children and families navigating food allergies have safe reliable options in the moments of crisis.
Children are the unseen survivors of domestic violence — and they make up the majority of shelter residents.
Across New York State, there are over 120 domestic violence programs serving families in crisis across 69 cities and towns, including many rural communities.
• A majority of residents in domestic violence shelters are children, and many are under age 5.
• Families often arrive with little notice, little support — and no guarantee that the food available is safe for their child’s health needs.
Food Allergies in Crisis
• 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a diagnosed food allergy.
• Most shelters do not have allergen-free food options, Epinephrine access, or clear labeling systems in place.
• In a moment of crisis, one unsafe meal can become another trauma — or a medical emergency.
What We’re Doing
Safe to Eat is working to:
• Partner with rural shelters across New York to improve food allergy safety
• Provide training, labeling kits, and Epinephrine awareness
• Center the voices of children and survivors who deserve dignity, safety, and support — starting with what’s on their plate
We advocate for :
Allergen
Aware food labeling and sourcing for shelters
Epinephrine
access and emergency protocols
Policy
change at the state and federal level
Training
for first responders and shelter staff in allergy safety and epinephrine administration
What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies are a serious medical condition in which the immune system reacts to certain foods as if they were dangerous. This reaction can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
There is no cure for food allergies. The only way to stay safe is to strictly avoid the allergen and any foods that may have been contaminated through cross-contact.
The Nine Most Common Allergens in the U.S. Are:
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame
Setting Up an Allergy-Safe Shelf
Even if your space is limited, a small dedicated shelf can make a big impact.
1. Label the shelf clearly: “Allergy-Safe Foods Only – Keep Sealed and Labeled”
2. Store items separately from common allergens
3. Use sealed bins or boxes to prevent contamination
4. Train staff and volunteers to read labels and recognize allergy risks
5. Avoid homemade, repackaged, or unlabeled foods
6. Consistency and visibility are key. A child’s safety may depend on it.
Why It Matters in Domestic Violence Shelters
Families escaping abuse are often forced to leave in crisis, without medical supplies or safe food. Children with food allergies are especially vulnerable in unfamiliar environments, where they may not have control over what’s served or how food is stored.
Shelters offer physical and emotional safety—but that safety must extend to the kitchen. A single unsafe ingredient or unlabeled food can lead to serious health emergencies.
Creating food spaces that are allergy-aware means families don’t just survive—they feel seen, protected, and cared for.
What to Stock (and What to Avoid)
Safe Food Options May Include:
• Shelf-stable fruit or applesauce
• Single-ingredient grains (e.g., plain rice or oats)
• Canned or boxed meals with clear, minimal ingredients
• Seed butters or protein alternatives free of common allergens
• Individually packaged snacks with clear labels and no cross-contact warnings
Avoid:
• Bulk bin items
• Foods without clear labels
• Items marked “may contain” or “processed in a facility with…” any major allergens
Always read the full ingredient label. Never guess.
About the Initiative
My name is Devin Sailer
I was born with 31 anaphylactic food allergies.
Growing up navigating a world not built for children like him, he’s made it his life’s mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for those living with food allergies.
Devin has worked at both the state and federal levels to help pass legislation that expands education, awareness, and access to care for allergic individuals—especially children. His advocacy is rooted in personal experience and driven by a deep sense of service to others who face similar challenges.
Through this initiative, he is working to bring allergen-safe foods to domestic violence shelters across rural New York, helping ensure that no child in crisis is left behid
