Food Allergy Statement

Food Allergy Statement

Classroom Food Guidelines (preschool - 6th grade)

In order to provide a safer environment for children with serious food allergies, CHEC will follow these guidelines.

Because of the nature of our shared building facility, we can never assure the total absence of a particular food item from specific classrooms or surfaces. Parents of children with anaphylactic allergies should continue to train their children in the caution and care that their particular condition necessitates.

Very young children with anaphylactic food allergies will be best served at home.

It is understood that parents of children with anaphylactic allergies will do the following:

1. Communicate specific food allergies with each of their child’s classroom teachers and the allergy coordinator.

2. Bring current (unexpired) prescribed epipens to every co-op. The epipen must remain on site throughout the day.

3. Develop an action plan with each of their child’s teachers should an emergency arise.

4. Respond to lead teachers’ requests for ingredient approval by either affirming or declining choices as safe for their student.

5. Bear sole responsibility for administering medications.

Regarding Food in Classrooms:

CHEC snacks for students 2nd and under will be served each week and purchased by the allergy coordinator, avoiding foods containing anything from the list of potential allergens shared by parents.

CHEC teachers of 6th grade and under may bring food items to share in class only if they have sent ingredient lists to all parents earlier in the week and received approval from allergy parents.

Students in 7th-12th grade are assumed to be capable of navigating and discerning risk with regard to shared food items. No allergy or ingredient restrictions are placed on food in those classes. However, due to time constraints in each class, lead teachers will determine when and if food is served in the classroom. No student or parent may bring food to class without the lead teacher’s prior approval.

Lunch:

Our shared lunch time is unregulated by any food constraints. Students with anaphylactic allergies should consider no food but their own to be allergen free. Students or parents desiring to share treats with others should place those items on the island in the kitchen. An ingredient list would extend kindness!

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