Written by Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc

School is back! Let’s Share Food Allergy Awareness!

Summer plans are winding down and kids and families are gearing up for a new school year.  Schools are starting orientations for staff and families. This is a key time for schools to spread food allergy and anaphylaxis awareness.  When school nurses, administration, staff, parents and students  understand the importance of managing food allergies this can create a supportive school community where students with food allergies thrive.

CDC’s Food Allergy Guidelines

For schools that don’t yet have this put in place there are resources that they can use. The CDC released the Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs last October and they are awesome.  Not only do they address effective ways to bring safety but they also address the emotional needs of kids with food allergy.  They prioritize staff, parent and student education and awareness.  Bravo!

It’s game time for food allergy awareness!

Implementing the CDC’s food allergy guidelines and educating all staff, all parents, and all students is key.  Now is the time for orientations and trainings. Mailings and email blasts are going out. Schools are beginning to recognize the need for these communities of support for children with food allergies. Let’s empower our schools with tools and resources that make it easy to share food allergy awareness.

3 Easy Food Allergy Resources to Pass Along Now to Help Schools Implement the CDC Guidelines

Food Allergy Awareness Resources for a New School Year.  Share this link with your school nurse, principal, PTA/PTO leaders, etc. so they can share food allergy awareness with the entire school community early in the school year.

 

 

Do you need help educating your schools about food allergy and anaphylaxis? Share this AllergyHome resource flyer with your school nurse or school nurse designee, and principal.

 

 

Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs . Share the link or PDF of the guidelines with your school nurse, school nurse designee or principal early this year if they have not yet seen them.

 

 

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