Food allergies are an unavoidable issue that we all must acknowledge and prepare for each day. Here are some tips for how to make sure your schools is prepared to accommodate students with food allergies.
1. Prepare the cafeteria staff – The main interaction between students and food at your school will almost always be in a cafeteria. That being said, it is paramount that your staff can identify which students have food allergies, and have appropriate substitute meals available for them.
2. Educate the students – Students with food allergies may be shy or embarrassed, therefore it is very important that they know that their allergy is nothing to be embarrassed about and they should be happy to enjoy their substitute meal.
3. Educate the teachers – Make sure your teachers know that if they would like to give candy or snacks to the class, that they must do so in a way that accommodates all students. Teachers passing out snacks which include peanuts or chocolate has been known to create issues when students with allergies are in their presence.
4. Educate the coaches – Just like teachers, coaches must be aware of students with food allergies. The current sports scheduling calls for many meals on the road and if a coach accidentally feeds an athlete the wrong meal, they may not only lose them for that event but could potentially land them in the hospital!
5. Consult with the parents – As every parents knows, education does not stop when the final bell wrongs. It is very necessary for parents to educate their kids at home about food allergies and the dangers that come along with eating the wrong foods. This is the best way to ensure that a student with a food allergy makes the right decision on their own.
Food allergies can be tough to handle, however once your school has the appropriate plans in place then following them will be a breeze. As always feel free to contact Student Accident if you have any questions or would like more suggestions at info@studentaccident.net
