Food Allergies/Snack Safely
Food Allergies
St. Juliana recognizes that food allergies are a growing concern in American society. Faculty, staff, and administration also realizes that any food could cause a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction, and not all children experiencing anaphylaxis have been previously diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy. The health, safety, and inclusion of all children is important. Avoiding food-allergic reactions requires the committed efforts of parents, students, teachers, and administration. While it is impossible to guarantee an allergen-free environment, St. Juliana policy provides a framework for partnering with all families to build a safe and supportive environment for children suffering from life-threatening food allergies and their classmates. The following precautions are in place at St. Juliana School:
- Every family is required to fill out a Medical Alert form at the beginning of every year and indicate any allergies or health concerns
- Up-to-date medication is to be provided to the school, preferably a supply for the school office and another for the classroom
- Students with food allergies are encouraged to wear medical identification bracelets or shoe tags.
- St. Juliana has a “no sharing” policy to discourage all students from sharing food with one another
- Procedures are in place to attend to the cleanliness of the classrooms and lunchroom, including wiping down tables before and after food is consumed and having all children wash their hands or use wipes before or after eating.
- We encourage families with children having food allergies to bring approved lunches and snacks from home and to maintain a student-specific box of approved treats in their homeroom.
- For students wanting a dedicated allergen-aware table in the lunchroom, designated lunchroom space can be made available upon the request of parents. Circumstances can vary for any student with a diagnosed food allergy. Faculty and staff work with students, teachers, and families and their physician to address accommodations that consider the health and well-being of all St. Juliana students. All faculty and staff are trained in proper administration of the use of an EPI pen.
When classrooms have a dedicated snack time or have events where snacks are brought into school we adhere to the Snack Safely list provided by SnackSafely.com The SnackSafely organization provides straightforward, actionable information to improve the lives of the 32 million people in the US living with food allergies, 5.9 million of whom are children. SnackSafely strives to eliminate anaphylaxis by leveraging our online properties to educate, advocate, and connect the allergic community with products and services that help achieve this goal. The organization is a valuable resource and reports on all things food allergy, including news, research on therapies and a cure, advocacy, legislation, school policies, and more.