Nut Free Program
Click to read the complete information about the nut free program.
As you know, one of our objectives this year through our Safe-T program is to create a safe environment for the body. We will continue this with the peanut and nut free school program. Effective February 1, 2010 we will start this process.
What this means is no food products made with peanuts/nuts will be allowed in the school. This will include items such as peanut butter, trail mixes, or candies made with nuts. Peanut oil or nuts will not be used in food preparation by cafeteria staff. As is our standard rule, students will be reminded to not share food.
We currently have students enrolled with these allergies. The ASLS peanut/nut policy is designed to help provide a safe environment for students and staff diagnosed with life-threatening peanut/nut allergies. Although all staff are trained in recognizing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and in the use of Epi Pens, our goal is to not have to put children at risk to use these measures. Additionally, by July 2011, the state of Missouri requires that each school shall adopt a policy on allergy prevention and response, with priority given to addressing potentially deadly food-borne allergies. We are being proactive by addressing this now.
You may be thinking, “I don’t remember nuts being such a big issue when I was in school.” You would be correct, but more children are becoming allergic to certain foods including peanuts and tree nuts (e.g. walnuts, pecans, and almonds). Research is unclear as to why this is happening. If there was a simple vaccine or medicine available that could handle the problem we wouldn’t need to do this.
What makes peanuts/nuts especially harmful to allergic individuals is:
- Peanut dust can become airborne.
- Nuts are more likely to cause severe and potentially life-threatening reactions than most other foods.
- Cross-contamination from peanut butter residue on a table, handrail, etc. can cause a reaction.
Abiding Savior Lutheran School is taking the following steps to make this transition:
- We ask that parents NOT send peanut/nut food items, to school. If an error is made a note will be sent home. No food will be taken from children as we begin the process of educating ourselves on peanut/nut products.
- The board welcomes further suggestions and comments. Many families already have experience with living with food allergies that may be helpful to share for all of us to learn.
- A “Nut-Free Sample Day” will be hosted on January 26th at the PTP meeting.
- Students will receive food allergy training in their classrooms, helping them understand how to help friends with food allergies.
- Allergic students are encouraged to bring special snacks from home for consumption during classroom birthday celebrations and parties.
- Signs will be posted in the cafeteria and school office as a reminder of the nut-free policy.
- This policy is in effect for students, staff, and visitors during school hours and school-related events.
Please contact me or Board of Education Chairperson Charlie Robinson if you have questions.
Blessings,
Katherine Palmer
Vice Chair- Board of Education
