Originally Reported by Blacknews
KiAnna Nycole always wished to find characters in books and on-screen who shared her experience of living with food allergies. However, the absence of such representation made her feel like the only kid dealing with these challenges. So she decided to take her experience and publish Food Friendly, a children’s book that highlights the importance of food allergy awareness and inclusion.KiAnna found that
The Food Friendly Project’s mission is to foster allyship and raise food allergy awareness
among teachers, parents, and children through storytelling, webinars, curriculum, and more. This children’s book is the first step in achieving this mission and educating children on food allergy acceptance and inclusion.KiAnna having recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Film Production, is particularly focused on creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and minorities in the entertainment industry. She believes storytelling is a way to catalyze change, educate others, and build empathy – and she aims for Food Friendly to do just that.
Food Friendly has been well-received by audiences and has already sold over 100 copies in the first month of its release. KiAnna received a grant from the Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) toward the book’s development and partnered with the Food Allergy Research and Education non-profit (FARE) for the book’s illustrations.
“My long-term goal is to continue to make stories that cause people to think and build compassion and have a message,” KiAnna told The Miami Hurricane. “That’s what will make me happy.”RELATED CONTENT: Author’s New “Let’s Eat” Book Series Teaches Black Children About Healthy Eating Habits