Building an Allergy-Safe Village
This week I walked into the school office 30 minutes after the start of the day, 2 ice packs in hand, and a little unsure how my request was going to be received. Our routine was a little off that morning and our 5-year-old’s lunch went out the door with no ice packs. Most people would probably just let it go, but thoughts of foodborne illnesses and the temperature “danger zone” were swirling in my head. I wasn’t going to be able to move forward with my day if these ice packs didn’t make it into the lunch box. I handed them to the school secretary who responded with much-appreciated kindness and empathy, and with a reassuring smile, she said, “I would have done the same thing”.
We live in a small town, and I don’t remember any kids bringing their lunch from home when I was in school. It’s entirely possible that’s just not a memory my brain felt important enough to hold onto three decades later. This may have changed in recent years, but especially with free breakfast and lunch for all kids in Minnesota this year, I know we’re in the minority by sending food from home. We choose to send our son’s lunch because of his food allergies. Raising children, in general, requires a level of trust in others. Adding food allergies (or other health challenges!) into the mix brings the necessary level of trust up a notch (…or two…or ten).
Trust: a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
My trust has been violated on more than one occasion when it comes to caregivers managing my kids’ food. Whether it’s not communicating the allergy at all with new daycare staff, or missing allergens in the ingredient list because they were “near the bottom”, or even just not preparing for how to handle the allergy when a class activity involves treats like cupcakes; each of these events could have catastrophic consequences for a child with food allergies.
With the start of kindergarten this year, we now have to trust a much larger village. Teachers, classroom aides, substitutes, parent volunteers, the kitchen staff, the support team in the cafeteria, the school nurse, and the administration all need to know and believe the allergy exists. We also have to trust that each of those individuals understand how to read food labels and that they’re reliable enough to do this in all circumstances that involve foods, not only mealtimes. That means during field trips, classroom visitors, celebrations, learning activities, and the exchange of candy for holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. We’re grateful for a strong, compassionate village this year.
There can be many unexpected sources of allergens.
Did you know that some candy corn contains egg whites? ..and some candy corn doesn’t. Some Chips Ahoy cookies contain eggs…and some don’t. Some candy bars. Some breads. The list goes on.
Who will be responsible for reading these labels if the food is in the classroom?
Here are some things you can do to ease the stress if you have a new food allergy diagnosis or a child entering a new school:
Meet with the kitchen staff. Ask how they monitor for allergens and if they have a menu prepared for any allergies they’re accommodating. Ask how they communicate with staff to ensure children coming through the line are not being given their allergens.
Work with the school to ensure your child isn’t being isolated because of their allergen. They shouldn’t be put at a separate table to eat alone, unless that’s what you’ve decided you’re most comfortable with. Lunch and recess are important social times, so help come up with a solution that allows your child to safely eat with at least one or two friends.
Ask the teacher to limit food in the classroom. For some allergens, a complete elimination of those foods in the classroom may be necessary. Ask for notification ahead of time if there will be celebrations that may include the allergen so that you can develop a plan together. Maybe you’ll bring in safe cupcakes or cookies so that your child can participate as similarly as possible.
Ensure the teacher(s), nurse, and administration know the action plan. If your child is accidentally exposed, what should they do? What symptoms are they watching for? Do you have medication and the appropriate forms on hand in the office or with the school nurse?
Provide a list of safe foods. It can be helpful to provide a list of safe snacks you have at home, brands that you’ve found reliable, or foods your child enjoys. This can help teachers and staff have a starting point to work from.
Be patient and respectful, but also be a firm advocate for your child. Not everyone will be aware of how to handle food allergies. That doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t safely care for your child, but there may be a learning curve. You are the best advocate for your child. Do your best to be proactive and offer solutions.
Consider a 504 plan. If your child has a severe food allergy, a 504 Plan can be put in place to ensure everyone is aware, is on board, and a plan is in place for any foreseeable challenges. FARE has great resources for this if you need additional support!
Everyone’s food allergy journey looks a little different. Build strong relationships within the village you create. As I’ve said before, your child’s food allergy is not an inconvenience for others. It’s a reality that needs to be safely and appropriately addressed. Never feel bad for being that advocate. Bring solutions alongside concerns and be willing to work with the school or daycare to ensure everyone has the best year possible ❤️.
Check out my lunch blog post from last year to help you put together healthy lunches if your packing them at home!
Also take a look at this checklist I put together for my own children to help develop strategies with teachers and caregivers!
