Most principals tell us that life-threatening food allergies are on the rise. Let's consider peanuts for starters. According to the Food Allergy Initiative, the number of U.S. children with peanut allergy doubled between 1997 and 2002. Studies in the United Kingdom and Canada also showed a high rate of peanut allergy in school-aged children.
But peanuts aren't the only problem. Kids can have serious allergies to products containing eggs, milk, tree nuts, soy, fish and more. Just this past October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2007, approximately 3 million U.S. children and teenagers under age 18 reported having a food or digestive allergy in the past year, compared to just over 2.3 million in 1997.
Teamwork between principals, teachers, parents and students is vital to keeping these children safe at school. A school policy should be in place. Communication is key to establishing and maintaining this team.
If you need help in developing a food allergy policy, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network created a tool kit for schools. It's posted at www.foodallergy.org. Also, the Food Allergy Initiative web site at www.faiusa.org includes a sample letter about peanut allergies for principals. The site also includes detailed information about other types of food allergies, tips for food service professionals and resources for parents.
(Courtesy of PRincipal Communicator/January 2009, National School Public Relations Association)
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