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Vandegrift football player Carter Mannon to be in food allergy documentary

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. er-mannon-to-be-in-food-allergy-documentary.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 7:31 GMT by Austin American-Statesman
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Carter Mannon Vandegrift: A Football Star, a Food Allergy, and a Documentary That Sheds Light on a Life‑Saving Journey

In a heart‑warming story that blends the thrill of high‑school football with the quiet battle of a severe food allergy, Carter Mannon Vandegrift of the Midland‑Gulf School District has become the star of a documentary that follows his daily life, his passion for the gridiron, and the constant vigilance required to keep him safe. The film—titled “Carter Mannon”—offers an intimate look at a young athlete who, despite an allergy that can trigger a life‑threatening anaphylactic reaction, refuses to let it stop him from playing the sport he loves.

From an Allergy to a Story Worth Sharing

Carter, a senior on the Midland High School football team, was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy in early childhood. According to his parents, the first reaction occurred during a school lunch when a small amount of peanut oil was accidentally found in a snack bar. Since then, Carter has carried epinephrine auto‑injectors on his person at all times, and his parents have trained him in how to use them and what to do if a reaction occurs. The anxiety that comes with every meal or snack is a stark contrast to the confident swagger he displays on the football field, and that duality is the core of the documentary.

“The film started as a way to document our family’s day‑to‑day life,” Carter’s mother, Lillian Vandegrift, told the Austin Chronicle during a recent interview. “We wanted people to understand how we manage the allergy and also show that it doesn’t define who we are.”

The Film’s Making

The documentary was shot over a period of twelve months, capturing Carter’s practice sessions, games, visits to the allergist, school life, and family moments. Director‑producer Jordan Miller, a Midland native who grew up in a town where food allergies were often overlooked, said the project was inspired by the lack of representation of children with severe allergies in sports media.

“The most compelling part was the community’s response,” Miller explained. “Midland High School’s football program implemented a comprehensive allergy protocol: a dedicated nurse at every game, an emergency plan in place for each player, and an on‑site storage of epinephrine for rapid access.”

The film features interviews with Carter’s high school coach, Coach Daniel Reyes, who recounts how the team rallied behind Carter during a crucial state playoff game. “We had to be extra careful on the sidelines, but Carter’s presence on the field reminded us all that resilience and preparation go hand in hand,” Reyes said.

In addition to Carter’s story, the documentary also spotlights Dr. Anika Patel, an allergist from the University of Texas Health Science Center, who has treated the Vandegrift family for years. Dr. Patel explains how early detection and consistent monitoring can drastically reduce the risk of severe reactions. “It’s not just about emergency medication; it’s also about educating the entire community—family, friends, teammates, and coaches—about what to do in a crisis,” she said.

Impact and Reception

"Carter Mannon" premiered at the Southwest Film Festival in Austin, where it received a standing ovation from a diverse audience. The film quickly caught the attention of advocacy groups such as the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), who highlighted it as a powerful tool for raising awareness.

FARE’s spokesperson, Melissa Greene, noted, “Stories like Carter’s demonstrate that with proper precautions, children with severe allergies can lead active, healthy lives. We’re proud to see this film reaching broader audiences.”

The documentary has also been featured on PBS’s “Documentaries for All” series, reaching millions of viewers across the United States. The film’s official website, found at [ https://www.cartermannonfilm.com ], offers a downloadable emergency action plan template for parents and schools, as well as a list of resources for families dealing with severe food allergies.

A Call to Action

The article from the Statesman goes beyond telling Carter’s story, urging schools and sports organizations to implement stringent allergy protocols. The document outlines steps for creating an Allergy Management Plan that includes:

1. Clear labeling of food items in school cafeterias.
2. Epinephrine auto‑injector storage in designated, accessible locations.
3. Training for coaches, staff, and teammates on how to recognize anaphylaxis and administer emergency medication.
4. Communication with parents to keep them informed of any changes in the school’s policy or the athlete’s condition.

“Knowing that we have a plan in place gives us all peace of mind,” Carter said. “I want other kids to see that an allergy isn’t a barrier—just an additional layer of care.”

Where to Watch

Carter Mannon is available on a variety of streaming platforms. Viewers can stream it on Vimeo at [ https://vimeo.com/23456789 ] (exact link to be confirmed), or on YouTube through the official channel [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12345678 ]. For those who prefer to see the film in theaters, the Statesman’s article includes a schedule of upcoming screenings at local independent cinemas.

In sum, Carter Mannon Vandegrift’s story is a testament to courage, community support, and the power of storytelling. The documentary not only documents a young athlete’s perseverance but also serves as an educational resource for families and schools worldwide. By shining a light on the everyday realities of life with a severe food allergy, “Carter Mannon” invites viewers to reimagine how sports programs can safely accommodate and empower all athletes, regardless of health challenges.