Zacky Muñoz
Zacky Muñoz | |
---|---|
![]() Muñoz speaks about the passage of a California Law | |
Born | 2012 |
Nationality | American |
Known for | The Zacky Bill Muñoz SAFE Act |
Zacky Muñoz (born 2012) is an American author and activist known for his food allergy awareness and advocacy.[1] He is the FARE Ambassador and the author of The Zacky Bill[2][3] and Muñoz SAFE Act, which both became Law in 2022 and 2023 respectively.[4][5][6]
Biography
[edit]Zacky Muñoz is the son of Priscilla and Zachary Muñoz with another younger male sibling.[3][7]
Muñoz had suffered from eczema since birth and was diagnosed with allergies to nuts, sesame seeds, shellfish, legumes, and avocados. When he was in first grade, he had two anaphylactic reactions at school.[3][6][8] First incident was when he ate a breadstick sprinkled with sesame seeds.[9] The second was when the usual allergen-free croutons in his salad were switched to one with allergen. The two episodes spurred Zacky and his mother, Priscilla, to work on Assembly Bills that focused on food allergy safety in the school.[4]
Assembly bills
[edit]Zacky Bill
[edit]The Zacky Bill, also known as Assembly Bill 2640, has passed both the state senate and the state assembly[3] and was signed into California law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022.[5][6][10] This guide helps school administrators, nurses, staffs, and families navigate the daily calculations, options, and protections available to school children with food allergies.[7] The Zacky Bill is known as the California Resource Guide and is available on the Department of Education website.[3]
Muñoz SAFE Act
[edit]In 2023, Muñoz championed the Muñoz SAFE Act,[5] known as Assembly Bill 1651, which stands for Student Allergy Framework for Emergencies.[7] This bill requires schools to store epinephrine in an accessible location, like an EpiPen, and provide training to staff on how to use them. Muñoz advocated for the bill throughout and was recognized[by whom?] for his work.[6]
Food allergy advocacy and awareness
[edit]Muñoz is featured in food allergy series videos from FARE, such as Kids Cuisine Remixand Zacky's Kitchen,[11] and a Back-to-School campaign.[1] Muñoz was also seen on Arnold Schwarzenegger's social media outlets.[12][13]
Recognition
[edit]- In 2023, Muñoz accepted a commendation from Supervisor Kathryn Barger in Los Angeles.[7]
- Muñoz received the California Senate Golden Resolution, one of the highest honors given in the California Legislature.[14]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Kid Cuisine Remix - FoodAllergy.org". www.foodallergy.org. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ "CA Schools Now Safer for Food Allergy Students - FoodAllergy.org". www.foodallergy.org. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ a b c d e "State Legislature Passes "The Zacky Bill" Named After Pasadena Boy, Aiming to Keep Students With Food Allergies Safe at School – Pasadena Now". www.pasadenanow.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ a b "Governor Newsom Issues Legislative Update 9.29.22". California Governor. 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ a b c Kennedy, Saskia (2023-11-02). "Muñoz SAFE Act Championed by 11-year-old Zacky Muñoz signed into law by Governor Newsom". Fullerton Observer. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ a b c d Schallhorn, Kaitlyn (2023-09-04). "Sacramento Snapshot: 11-year-old with food allergies lobbying the legislature for help". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on 2024-02-10. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ a b c d Rivera, Anissa (2023-08-10). "This 11-year-old just got a bill passed in Sacramento. Here's why". East Bay Times. Archived from the original on 2024-02-10. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ Razo, Alex (2022-08-22). "Meet Zacky, the 10-Year-Old Advocate for School Kids with Food Allergies". iHeart. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ Aubrey, Allison (2023-08-30). "A sesame allergy law has made it harder to avoid the seed. Here's why". npr.org. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
- ^ "California Assembly Bill 2640 ("Zacky's Bill) Signed into Law by Governor Newsom - FoodAllergy.org". www.foodallergy.org. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "Feasting With FARE - FoodAllergy.org". www.foodallergy.org. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2023-11-21. Retrieved 2024-02-13.[self-published]
- ^ Schnitzel, Arnold (2023-11-21). "TikTok - Make Your Day". TikTok. Retrieved 2024-02-13.[self-published]
- ^ "Zacky's Bill- Food Allergies". The Zacky's Bills. Retrieved 2024-02-13.