Murch Elementary School

More schools across the country are becoming nut free because the incidence of these potentially
lethal allergies is increasing rapidly. Food allergies affects 1 in every 13 children (under 18 years
of age) in the U.S. Peanut / Tree Nut allergies are particular severe; ingestion of even tiny
amounts can cause a life threatening reaction. Avoiding the allergen is the only way to prevent a
reaction.

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe to life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Reactions can
include a skin reaction like hives or redness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face
or throat, loss of consciousness and even death.

For the first time in living memory Murch has a cafeteria. Allergic reactions can occur by
touching a nut (contact), inhalation and/or eating a food item that contains a nut, even trace
amounts of the allergen. The shared space of a cafeteria increases the risk to all children with
allergies that they could have an allergic reaction.

A child who has eaten or handled foods containing nuts can transfer the allergen containing oils
to shared tables, chairs, drinking fountains, playground equipment or even doorknobs. A public
school is required to provide all children a safe learning environment and accommodate physical,
social, emotional and cognitive needs as needed. A food allergy is considered by the Federal
Government a medical disability.

Yes. These items can be sent be sent to school for individual consumption. Allergic children
cannot eat these items but these foods can be safely consumed by other children nearby.

These foods should be left at home.

Yes. If this were not potentially life threatening we wouldn't ask you not to send nuts to school.
Your efforts are truly appreciated by those affected. Parents who deal with this every time their
child puts a bite in their mouth know it is challenging, but it does get easier as you get used to it

Empathy and compassion are the important parts here, with a feeling of good fortune that your
own child doesn't suffer from a life-threatening allergy. Explain to your child that by not bringing nut products to school, he/she is helping take care of, keep safe, and even protect these students with nut allergies. Ask them to imagine what it would be like to attend a birthday party and not be able to eat the cake or have ice cream on a hot day. Children will feel proud to be able to help out in this way.

There are healthy alternatives out there to peanut and other nut butters as well as to products
containing nuts. Some lunch ideas are:

• Cold cuts
• tuna
• hot dogs
• hamburger
• chicken nuggets
• cut up chicken
• fish sticks
• quesadillas
• pizza
• hummus
• cheese
• yogurt
• chickpeas
• beans
• edamame
• hard boiled eggs
• tofu
• cottage cheese.

There are also several brands of nut free butter substitutes on the market now that are readily
available at Giant, Safeway, Whole Foods and Target. Those brands include Sunbutter, SoyNut
Butter and Wow butter.

The important thing is to read the label as products may change manufacturing methods. There is an extensive list of nut free products that is frequently updated here: http://snacksafely.com/safe-snack-guide/

There are many ways to honor and celebrate a child’s birthday that do not involve food. If you want to send cupcakes to the class there are brands available that are labeled “school safe.” Please discuss these options with your child’s teacher or check out the Murch website.

The food containing the allergen will not be opened and will be put back into backpacks or lunch boxes. Your child will be provided a lunch from the cafeteria.

Yes. As stated on the FARE website: "On October 30, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) published “Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs” - the first national comprehensive guidelines for school food allergy management. The guidelines are intended to support the implementation of school food allergy management policies in schools and early childhood programs, and guide improvements to existing practices. The CDC guidelines seek to protect the physical and emotional health of students with food allergies by providing practical information and strategies for schools while reinforcing federal laws and regulations. The guidelines are intended to support the implementation of school food allergy management policies in schools and early childhood programs, and guide improvements to existing practices. Implementing these guidelines may help schools reduce allergic reactions, improve response to life-threatening reactions, and ensure current policies are in line with laws that protect children with serious health issue