Hinsdale Teen Creates Meal Ticket For Allergy Awareness

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale teenager Katie Parkins has several food allergies. While her allergies aren't uncommon, she has decided to deal with them and help others in a completely innovative way. Parkins created MyTealTicket, which people who suffer from food allergies can use when they eat out at restaurants.

According to the product's website, MyTealTicket is a restaurant order form that helps people with foodallergies have a safe and enjoyable dining experience. They can record different types of allergies on the ticket, including whether or not cross contact is allowed. The teal color stands out from all of the other restaurant order tickets, which makes it easier for the chef as he or she prepares the meal.

"Before making MyTealTicket, I was always nervous when I would eat at a restaurant because I was concerned that my food allergies would not get properly notated," Parkins said, who shared she is allergic to tree nuts, fish and shellfish. "I needed to find a way to ensure that my allergy information would be accurately delivered to the chef."

Parkins, who recently graduated from Hinsdale Middle School, said the response to her idea has been wonderful.

"We quickly sold out of the original version, and due to user feedback, have created a new and improved MyTealTicket," Parkins said. The new ticket replaced "gluten" with "wheat" and also added "sesame" as a choice of allergen.

"The sales have gone well, and shipments have been made to Europe, Canada and most parts of the United States," Parkins said.

Parkins said she has used her product around the area at local restaurants. She has used it at Wild Ginger, Il Poggiolo, Antico Posto, 312 Chicago, and Corner bakery, as well as in different states like New York and California.

"My main goal with MyTealTicket is for people to have a safe and enjoyable dining experience, and to always spread awareness about food allergies," Parkins said.

Photo provided by Katie Parkins.