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Navigating the Cafeteria: Keeping Students with Allergies Safe at School

 

 

1 in 13 children or roughly 8% of our nation's children have a dietary allergy. Immune reactions to offending foods vary by individual and may range from mild symptoms such as skin rashes of GI disturbances to severe or life-threatening anaphylaxis. The most common provoking foods, commonly known as the Top 9 Allergens include: dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. There are no cures for food allergies, so absolute avoidance is essential for a child's health and safety.

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It is critical to source allergy-compliant meal components when creating special diets for children - proteins like beef, poultry, pork, legumes, cereals and grain products, non-dairy milk substitutes, spices, and seasonings. 

 

​Sample menu free from the top 9 allergens:

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·  Breakfast: Gluten-free overnight oats with fruit, sunflower seed topping 


·  Lunch: Chicken fajita bowl with rice, corn and beans + vegan option


·  Snacks: Fresh fruit, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks with hummus

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Sourcing Allergy-Safe Foods and Special Diets for Children

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:

(Note: Not all products from these manufacturers are allergen-free. Check individual product specification sheets for complete ingredient information and potential allergens)

Del Real

General Mills

JTM

Jennie O

Kellogg’s

Knorr

Mi Rancho

Michael B’s Bestway

Red Gold

Zee Zee

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Learn More about Allergen Safety

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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.

(Link to FARE website)

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.

(Link to FAME website)

Additional resources and information on common allergens, strategies, and best practices for creating optimal food safety plans are offered by the Institute of Child Nutrition website.

(Link)

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