Navigating the Cafeteria: Keeping Students with Allergies Safe at School
Did you know? 1 in 13 kids—about 8% of students nationwide—have food allergies, making school lunch a critical time for safety.
Sourcing Allergy-Safe Foods and Special Diets for Children
When creating Top 9 Allergen-Free Diets, it is critical to source allergy-free and NSLP-compliant meal components.
​Sample menu free from the top 9 allergens:
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Breakfast: Gluten-free overnight oats with fruit
Lunch: Chicken or black bean fajita bowl with rice, corn, and salsa
Snacks: Fresh fruit, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks with hummus
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Allergy-Safe Food Manufacturers
Numerous food service manufacturers cater to special diets by offering allergen-free meal options.​
​Sample of producers who provide allergen-free food products:
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Del Real
General Mills
JTM
Jennie O
Kellogg’s
Knorr
Mi Rancho
Michael B’s Bestway
Red Gold
Zee Zees
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(Note: Not all products from these manufacturers are allergen-free. Check individual product specification sheets for complete ingredient information and potential allergens)
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Learn More about Allergen Safety
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) offers invaluable resources and support to help school food service providers navigate the complexities of food allergies. By leveraging FARE's available resources and training, schools can create safer, healthier, and more inclusive dining environments for all students.
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Food Allergy Management and Education (FAME) provides training, education, and a comprehensive toolkit for food service personnel with the knowledge and tools to create safe and inclusive environments for students with allergies.
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