While there is no cure for food allergies, avoiding the allergen remains the best way to prevent a reaction.
If your child has a food allergy – especially a newly diagnosed one – it’s natural to worry about their safety at school. The good news is that with teamwork among families, school staff and students, you can help reduce your child’s risk and create a safer learning environment.
“Our immune systems help protect us from things that can make us sick. In someone with a food allergy, the immune system mistakenly reacts to a specific food as though it’s harmful.” said Emily Jajack, registered dietitian with Akron Children’s Center for Allergy and Immunology. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about two students in every classroom have food allergies.”
In the United States, the foods most commonly responsible for serious allergic reactions include milk, peanuts, eggs, wheat and tree nuts including almonds and cashews. While there is no cure for food allergies, avoiding the allergen remains the best way to prevent a reaction.
Emily shares these eight tips to help keep your child safe at school:
1. Ask about a 504 Plan
A 504 Plan provides accommodations for students with medical needs, including serious food allergies.
- The plan follows your child throughout their school career.
- It can be updated as your child’s needs change.
2. Educate your child’s school team
Make sure everyone involved in your child’s care understands their allergies.
- Meet with the teacher, principal and food service staff before the school year begins.
- Provide a letter from your child’s physician outlining their food allergies and any necessary accommodations.
- If your child has a life-threatening allergy, consider speaking with the class (if appropriate) to help classmates understand how they can help keep your child safe.
- Schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations, though specific policies vary by district.
3. Decide whether to pack or buy lunch
Talk with your school about the safest option.
- Some schools can prepare allergy-friendly meals.
- In other cases, packing a lunch from home may offer greater peace of mind.
4. Remind your child never to share food
Teach your child not to trade lunches or accept food from classmates.
- Foods may contain hidden allergens, such as peanuts, milk or eggs.
- Cross-contact can occur when foods are prepared on the same surfaces or with the same utensils as an allergen.
5. Check classroom materials for allergens
Food allergens can sometimes be found in arts and crafts supplies, including Play-Doh®, macaroni noodles and certain craft pastes.
- Discuss any concerns with your child’s teacher before classroom activities.
6. Keep “safe treats” in the classroom
Provide allergy-safe snacks or treats for the teacher to keep on hand.
- This allows your child to safely participate in classroom celebrations or unexpected treat days.
7. Plan ahead for field trips
Ask teachers about food plans before any field trip.
- Find out whether meals or snacks will be provided.
- Pack a safe lunch and snacks if needed.
8. Leave emergency allergy information for substitute teachers
Provide a photo of your child along with their allergy information and emergency instructions.
- Ask that it be kept in the substitute teacher folder or another easily accessible location.
“By working together, parents and school staff can create a safe environment for students with food allergies,” Emily said. “Collaboration gives parents peace of mind and allows children to focus on learning, building friendships and enjoying their school experience.”
Akron Children’s School Health is another great resource for help with managing allergies, if your child’s school is one of the more than 40 locations with our services.
