Specialist Food Allergy Care Arrives in Nassau County with Latitude's Long Island Expansion

Addressing a Critical Need for Specialized Allergy Care

For many families in Nassau County, navigating the complexities of food allergies has often meant traveling significant distances to access specialized care. The recent expansion of Latitude Food Allergy Care to Great Neck, Long Island, on November 2, 2026, marks a significant development for the community. This new clinic, according to Latitude Food Allergy Care, aims to bring expert-led food allergy diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management closer to home for infants, children, and adults.

Living with food allergies can present daily challenges, from managing dietary restrictions to understanding potential reactions and emergency protocols. Having access to dedicated specialists can make a substantial difference in the quality of life for affected individuals and their families. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the need for accessible, comprehensive food allergy services outside of major urban centers.

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Expertise at the Forefront: Meet the Lead Allergists

The Great Neck clinic is led by board-certified allergists Dr. Amanda Schneider and Dr. Erin Banta, both of whom bring extensive experience from NYU Langone Health. According to Latitude Food Allergy Care, their involvement underscores the clinic's commitment to specialist-led care.

• Dr. Amanda Schneider: A board-certified allergist, immunologist, and pediatrician, Dr. Schneider previously helped lead oral immunotherapy (OIT) treatment at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan. Her background includes a medical degree from New York Medical College, pediatric residency at NYU School of Medicine, and an allergy and immunology fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Latitude Food Allergy Care notes her involvement as a co-investigator in numerous allergy and immunology studies, with published research focusing on food allergy diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including early egg introduction and biologic treatments. Dr. Schneider expressed pride in offering this level of care directly on Long Island, stating that she can now dedicate the necessary time to each family, from initial consultation to every stage of treatment.
• Dr. Erin Banta: Also a board-certified allergist and immunologist, Dr. Banta brings over 15 years of experience in the New York City region. She previously practiced at NYU Langone Long Island, where she cared for patients and was involved in training future allergists. She currently serves as vice president of the Long Island Allergy and Asthma Society. Her medical degree is from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, and she completed her internal medicine residency and allergy and immunology fellowship at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The presence of such experienced specialists in Nassau County means families no longer need to travel into New York City for high-level food allergy expertise, a significant practical benefit for those managing a chronic condition.

Comprehensive Services and Promising Outcomes

Latitude Food Allergy Care states that its new Great Neck clinic offers a wide range of services for patients of all ages, from infants to adults. These services are designed to provide a holistic approach to food allergy management:

• Diagnostic Tools: This includes skin testing and in-office blood draws for accurate allergy identification.
• Oral Food Challenges: A crucial step in confirming or ruling out food allergies under medical supervision.
• Early Food Introduction: Guidance for infants, which can be a key strategy in preventing certain food allergies.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): A treatment aimed at desensitizing patients to allergens by gradually introducing increasing amounts of the allergenic food. The organization reports that across its network, 94 percent of patients who begin OIT complete treatment and can safely consume foods they once had to avoid. This success rate, according to Latitude Food Allergy Care, rises to 98 percent for children under four.
• Xolair (Omalizumab): An injectable biologic medication that can be used independently or in conjunction with OIT.

Kimberley Yates, co-founder and CEO of Latitude Food Allergy Care, highlighted the organization's patient-centered philosophy, noting that they aimed to create a welcoming environment where families feel supported and understood. This approach acknowledges that managing food allergies extends beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional and social well-being.

Implications for Families and the Community

The expansion of Latitude Food Allergy Care to Long Island addresses a significant gap in specialized healthcare access. For parents, teachers, and caregivers, understanding the specific needs of individuals with food allergies is paramount. This includes recognizing symptoms, knowing how to administer emergency medication, and fostering an inclusive environment. With local access to specialists, families can receive personalized guidance on creating safe environments at home and school.

The reported high success rates for OIT, particularly in younger children, offer hope to families seeking long-term solutions for food allergy management. The ability for a child to safely enjoy foods that were once off-limits, as described by Latitude Food Allergy Care, can significantly enhance their quality of life, reduce anxiety for both children and parents, and simplify daily routines.

This development underscores the importance of accessible, specialized medical care in managing chronic health conditions. It provides Nassau County families with a local resource for expert guidance and advanced treatment options, fostering greater confidence and independence for those living with food allergies.