Virtual: Managing Food Allergies with the FIG App

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Max Rebarber, co-founder and CEO of the FIG (Food Is Good) website and app, for a presentation on this practical tool that has become increasingly popular within the Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) and broader food allergy communities. Hosted in collaboration with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program and the Martha’s Vineyard Alpha-Gal Syndrome Support Group, this virtual program will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30th, via Zoom. Click here to register.

FIG helps users identify potential allergens through barcode scanning, ingredient analysis, recipe tools, and peer-shared information about allergy-friendly restaurants. Developed over years of research and database building, the app was designed to help people navigate the often-complicated reality of food allergies — especially when labeling standards may not fully address their needs. This session will include a live demonstration of the app, a conversation about the story behind FIG and its development, and practical tips for using the platform to navigate AGS and other food allergies in everyday life. Audience questions and participation are encouraged. 

Max Rebarber is co-founder and CEO of the FIG (Food Is Good) website and app. Tired of seeing people told what they COULDN'T eat, Max and fellow co-founder Andrew Hollar created FIG to show people everything they COULD eat. Max brings years of experience building and leading health-tech startup teams to this endeavor. He believes food is an under-utilized resource in treating chronic disease, resulting in billions of dollars of unnecessary medical spending each year. Through the FIG app, Max is working to fill this gap in care and help millions feel their best through food. As a new resident of San Diego, he enjoys learning to surf the waves in his downtime. Max will be in conversation with Lea Hamner of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program. 

Lea Hamner, MPH, is a public health epidemiologist specializing in tick-borne diseases, Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), and community-based public health systems. She works with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program, local boards of health, and the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative, focusing on disease surveillance, public education, healthcare collaboration, and tick-borne disease prevention. With 10 years of experience in local public health epidemiology, Lea is recognized regionally and nationally for her work on AGS surveillance and advocacy. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.