Tess Ferm, the newly crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026 and an incoming freshman at Furman University, has transformed her personal struggle with severe, life-threatening food allergies into a prominent national platform. Inspired by her own experiences with anaphylactic allergies to foods like tree nuts and sesame, Tess spearheads the community service initiative titled “From Fear to Freedom: Food Allergy Awareness and Education.” She leverages the visibility of her national title to act as a powerful voice, dedicated to raising awareness and fighting the pervasive fear that often accompanies managing food allergies.
Tess’s advocacy is marked by legislative success and strategic collaboration with leading non-profits. She actively engaged with lawmakers in South Carolina to ensure the state issued an official proclamation for Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) for two consecutive years, with the ultimate goal of achieving this recognition in every state legislature nationwide. Furthermore, she extends her influence by serving on the Teen Advisory Council for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and acting as an ambassador for the Red Sneakers for Oakley organization, connecting her mission to broader research and safety initiatives.
The core objective of the “From Fear to Freedom” initiative is to create fundamentally safer and more educated environments for the food allergy community. Tess’s work focuses on promoting comprehensive safety education, fostering greater understanding among the general public, and advocating for protected spaces in schools and restaurants. By sharing her story and platform, she empowers other young people to move past their anxieties and live more confidently despite their dietary restrictions.
A crucial element of Tess’s public message is the narrative of personal transformation. She openly discusses her journey from a place of insecurity, where she was “scared to talk about it” and where fear defined her approach to friendships and school. Now, Tess uses her position and voice to advocate on behalf of her younger self and her brother, who also manages life-threatening allergies, demonstrating that strength and confidence can be cultivated through experience and support.
Tess leverages her active social media channels as a central vehicle for educational outreach. She regularly shares practical, life-saving content, such as tips on diligently reading food labels and allergy-friendly recipes she develops. This impactful, visible commitment to service garnered national recognition, earning her the distinguished Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award at the Miss America’s Teen competition.
Looking ahead, Tess’s advocacy is aligned with her future professional path. As she begins her studies in psychology at Furman University, her long-term goal is to become a Child Life Specialist. This career choice underscores her deep-seated passion for providing emotional and psychological support to children facing health challenges. Tess views her Miss America’s Teen title as a “launchpad” that will continue to propel her efforts to serve, lead, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those managing food allergies.
