As a dietitian mom, I’m here to provide practical tips for managing food allergies at school to foster inclusion and safety for all children. I’ve got you and can help you send your kids off to school with confidence and peace of mind!
Remember the days when you could bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school without a second thought? For many parents now, having a child with food allergies at school brings added stress and worry. Today, with strict no-nut policies in place to protect kiddos with food allergies, packing a safe lunch is top of mind and that PB & J is a no-go.
It’s great that many schools recognize the seriousness of food allergies and have rules in place to keep children safe. There needs to be a continued collaboration between parents, children, teachers, and school staff to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for kids with food allergies.
As a dietitian mom, I’m here to provide practical tips for managing food allergies to foster inclusion and safety for all children. I’ve got you and can help you send your kids off to school with confidence and peace of mind!
Around six percent of Canadian children and eight percent of American children have at least one food allergy. So, there is a good chance that there will be at least one child with a food allergy in any class of about 30 kids. That’s why many schools already have food allergy policies and guidelines in place.
The most common food allergies (listed by prevalence) in children are:
The signs of a food allergy can range from a mild rash to severe anaphylaxis (which affects breathing). Your child’s teacher should be educated about these signs and symptoms, and know the steps to take in case of an allergic reaction.
Common symptoms of a food allergy are having an itchy mouth or throat when eating the allergen, or a skin rash/hives. More severe signs of anaphylaxis include a sudden onset of:
Managing food allergies at school for a young child can be scary – I get that. If you’re a parent whose child has an anaphylaxis food allergy, I want to hug you and tell you you’re doing a great job.
Communicating with your child’s school about the food allergy can help you feel more in control and keep your little one safe.
Before your child starts daycare or school, get in touch with the administrators and learn about their food allergy policies. And it’s important to know your rights: find out more about the national school food allergy policies in your province or state. Most schools have anaphylaxis plans in place, and you can fill out the necessary paperwork about your child.
You can also learn who your child’s teacher(s) will be and speak to them directly before the first day of school. When talking to a teacher, pick a quiet time when you can have their full attention.
Here’s the key: Try to explain the seriousness of food allergies without being alarmist. Teachers may feel trepidation about having a student with serious food allergies or anaphylaxis, especially if it is new information to them. You can play a role in educating them in a calm and helpful manner, without freaking them out. If you are calm, they will be calm.
The plan that you outline with the school should focus on prevention and treatment of a reaction. Your hope is that if the prevention plan goes well, there should be no need for treatment!
Start by learning where and how food is available at your child’s school. Food may be available at:
Learn about the school rules for sharing food and for bringing in food for parties or events. Work in partnership with the school staff to set rules as needed to protect your child. If there is a cafeteria or caterer, consult with the food service staff about policies and procedures.
Many schools already have policies in place that include: no sharing food; no peanuts; no tree nuts; no food for birthday parties; etc. Start with what the school has in place and add on as needed to protect your child.
Tip: If your school allows outside food for in-class parties, provide safe treats for your child so they feel included. These treats can be stored in their bag, desk or with the teacher for safe-keeping, then enjoyed as needed with peace of mind.
Emergency preparedness is key. Talk with the school administration and your child’s teacher(s) about what they should do in case of an emergency. The teachers, substitute teachers and school staff should be taught the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and know how to respond quickly.
If your child requires an auto-injector (EpiPen), ensure your child, teachers and administrators know where it is and how to use it. Epipens and other medications should be easily accessible.
Staff may already have yearly training sessions on EpiPen use. Every school is different, so ask if training sessions are already in place.
Tip: You can order an auto-injector training device from www.epipen.ca or www.allerject.ca and can teach the staff how to use it.
Work together with your children so they are clear on the parameters around eating while at school. Remind them to:
Tip: Practice a script with your child of what to say when friends offer to share. Maybe something like “thank you for offering! It looks great but I am allergic to ____, and I’m not sure if that is okay for me to eat. I better not have any.”
Packing a school-safe lunch can be a balancing act, especially since each child’s allergies and sensitivities are unique. While some kids may only need to avoid nuts, others might need meals free from dairy, wheat, sesame, or any of the other common allergens. The key is to focus on variety, flexibility, and a few reliable swaps so that you can mix and match lunch options to meet your child’s specific needs.
Here are 10-15 nut-free lunchbox ideas that can be tailored to work around other allergens too, keeping lunchtime safe and stress-free:
Older children can be empowered to know about their food allergy and how to handle a reaction. As kids grow up, they will be allowed to leave school grounds during lunch or buy food in the cafeteria. Make sure they are well-educated so they stay safe.
Use this checklist to ensure that your older child:
You’ve got this! You can safely send your child to school by communicating openly with teachers and administration staff. Remember, it’s a collaborative effort. You, your child, their teachers and the admin staff need to be on the same page. With ample education and communication, you can feel confident in knowing you did your best to prevent an allergic reaction at school, and that everyone can calmly handle an emergency if it happens.
Need more advice? The dietitians at Centred Nutrition Collective can work with you or your child to help you manage food allergies. We can also help you manage food allergies at school by working directly with your child’s school if education and support is needed!
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