top of page
Gemini_Generated_Image_eh7w8beh7w8beh7w_
Gemini_Generated_Image_bubzojbubzojbubz_

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.

​

​

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

 

​Here is a sample menu free from The Top 9 Allergens:

​

·  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

​

Sourcing Allergy-Safe Foods for Children

Allergy-Safe Food Manufacturers

Numerous food service manufacturers cater to special dietary needs by offering allergen-free meal options.

​Sample of manufacturers that 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

          among others.

Learn More about Allergen Safety

(Links here)

bottom of page