Duval County Public Schools - Every Student. Every Day.

Hi, I’m Runali Salvi, a 16-year-old student at Atlantic Coast High School and the creator of Fight the Allergy Blues. I live with multiple severe food allergies (and yes… it’s a very long list), and I’ve been managing them my entire life. 

Over time, I’ve learned how to speak up for myself and navigate school safely, with the support of teachers, staff, family, and friends who truly look out for me. That support makes it possible for me to focus on learning, being involved, and just being a normal teenager (with a very long “do not eat” list). 

But I wasn’t always confident about it. 

In eighth grade, everything changed. In just a few days, I experienced two life threatening allergic reactions. One was from accidentally consuming milk, and another happened after eating something I was told was safe. During the second reaction, I was alone and had to rely on someone nearby to call 911. Around that same time, I learned about a student who lost their life to a food allergy. 

That moment shifted everything. 

I realized food allergies are not just about avoiding certain foods. They require awareness, communication, and the confidence to speak up. 

Since then, I’ve been involved in advocacy, working with Food Allergy Families of Northeast Florida and serving on the Teen Advisory Group for Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) to help make schools safer and more inclusive. 

That’s why I created Fight the Allergy Blues. 

This student led initiative provides ready to use resources for schools, including lessons, videos, student certificates, a pledge, posters, and quick reference guides, all designed to promote safe, informed, and inclusive environments. 

Because here’s the bottom line. Food allergies are serious. But with awareness, understanding, and shared responsibility, we can make sure every student feels safe, included, and supported. 

And where speaking up for your safety is seen as strength, not an inconvenience.