14 Nov Thanksgiving Food Allergy School Safety
Food allergies affect millions of children worldwide, and the school setting is no exception. Thanksgiving parties often involve an array of dishes, many of which may contain common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. To make these events enjoyable for everyone, it’s essential to raise awareness about food allergies and implement safety measures that foster inclusivity.
Tips For Celebrating Thanksgiving At School
Kids With Food Allergies offers tips for celebrating Thanksgiving at school. Here are some tips for
ensuring that it is safe and fun for everyone. It is important to work with key school staff and families for the holiday. That way, you can plan holiday festivities in alignment with your school’s wellness plan.
- CREATE A FOOD ALLERGY FRIENDLY SAFE MENU - Offer to work with the host to create a safe menu. Often a food can be made safe simply by adjusting the recipe. Offer to prepare the food with the host and to help with label reading and preventing cross-contamination.
- BRING SAFE FOOD DISHES - Offer to bring a few “safe” food dishes to share with the rest of the family. Plate your child’s food before everyone else and keep “safe” foods separated from unsafe foods to avoid cross contamination. (Don’t forget to pull out some leftovers too. Keep them in a sealed container labeled with your child’s name)
- OFFER SUGGESTIONS TO THE HOST - It may not be helpful to suggest adjustments to the food planned by the host. Instead, bring a safe meal for your child to eat while there. Pack lots of safe snacks and desserts, too. Discuss this with the host first.
By fostering open communication, creating allergy-friendly menus, designating safe zones, implementing educational initiatives, and being prepared for emergencies, we can ensure that school Thanksgiving parties are enjoyable and safe for all students, including those with food allergies. Let’s come together to make this Thanksgiving a celebration of gratitude and inclusivity for every child.
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