School district bans food treats from classroom celebrations

[The Straight Story]

(NJ) Evesham school district bans food treats from classroom celebrations

EVESHAM—School district children with food allergies need not worry anymore about becoming ill during classroom birthday parties or feeling ostracized for not being able to enjoy certain treats with their classmates.

...

One youngster who has exprienced such situations due to his celiac disease addressed the board at the August meeting along with his mother, requesting it adopt a district-wide ban on food treats in all classroom celebrations.

“I wish that class parties had food that was safe for everyone to eat,” he told the board. “It's not fair that some people can enjoy all the great party food, but others can not.

“Last year we had one party where everyone brought their own treat just for themselves. I liked it because everyone enjoyed what they brought and no one got sick or sad that they couldn't have something. Also, we could have parties without any food. A party is fun when everyone can enjoy it equally. We can just play games and have fun without food at all.”

...

“Please know that parents of kids with food restrictions will breathe a sigh of relief when the new policy takes effect because it will eliminate approximately 25 different times during the school year that our children can become ill.”

http://www.southjerseylocalnews.com/articles/2013/09/16/news/doc52370bbbb85ba643595527.txt

[sharp_stick]

1. We have one parent

who's child can't eat gluten and she sent a note home with all the kids in the class asking parents to let her know if/when they were sending in treats so she could prepare a similar gluten free treat for her daughter on those days.

Instead, I emailed her a couple of days before and told her that we were making a gluten free cupcake with the same decorations but a shiny silver wrapper for her daughter. The note that went with the snacks let the teacher know which one was the special one and there was no problem.

It wasn't a lot of work and it didn't cost a lot of money but I think she appreciated the effort we put into it.

[onpatrol98]

2. Perhaps this is a good solution.

I have food allergies, so I had to figure out pretty young what I could and could not eat. But, often the food at these little parties aren't good for you anyway. Not to mention, some people avoid foods because of religious restrictions. So, it's probably safer to avoid the food situation with small children in schools in individual classrooms. Especially, when this can be life or death for some children.

PS. I had a friend who was allergic to grass. Now, that one was a bit tougher.

[The Straight Story]

3. That's weird

My friend here in Ohio was as well, up until I think like the 6th grade (allergic to grass). Dr said I was allergic to peanut butter, but I still eat it

[onpatrol98]

5. You like a little danger...

Apparently, you like a little danger.

For me it's tomatoes...I think its the peel. It's touch and go with some other fruits...with peels. People love to put tomatoes on sandwiches. But for me, my throat starts feeling like it's closing (breathing becomes an issue), my throat gets scratchy, and I break out in hives. I had it happen once when I ate to close too the rind with a watermelon. I didn't get the hives, but I did get the whole throat closing, itchy sensation. I can't tease you much. Because, I still eat watermelon, but not frequently. The few times I do, I try to stick as closely to the center as possible.

But, under no circumstances, do I go anywhere near the evil tomato.

[woodsprite]

6. I just recently noticed this kind of thing when I eat pistachios.

Probably should go to the doctors to be tested so I know for sure. Within 30 min, I feel like I'm coming down with something and feel like I'm getting flu-like symptoms. My sinuses start running to beat the band, my throat gets all tingly and scratchy. I love almost any kind of nut, and have only noticed this with pistachios

[monmouth3]

7. My mother had exactly the same reactions as you but only to strawberries..n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Well, stomach cramps and diarrhea are not my idea of fun

So, attending a wedding. Taking gluten free safe food with me. If there is nothing I can eat, will enjoy my take from home treats.

[aikoaiko]

4. District wide seems pretty drastic.