Schools nationwide can better prepare this year's classrooms by instituting an ABCs food allergy school safety plan. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), one- in-every-25 school-aged children nationwide has a food allergy and the prevalence rate continues to rise.
Simply applying the ABCs (A: advance planning, B: be a pal, C: create a safe environment) before the school year's first bell will allow schools to pass the test of managing food allergies safely, according to FAAN.
For most students, the beginning of the school year can be challenging with new subjects to learn and homework assignments. For students with food allergies, these classroom anxieties are often multiplied by concerns of accidental exposure to foods that can cause hives, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
FAAN suggests school administrators to follow these school safety ABCs:
A: Advance planning for students with food allergies. Schedule a conference with school staff and parents to discuss the student's food allergy. Discussion should include: forms necessary for a child to have medications at school; use of food in arts and crafts; lesson plans and other school activities; completed medical forms, and a food allergy action plan.
B: Be a pal: FAAN's educational awareness program is designed to provide educators with information for teaching students about food allergies. Any student can be a "pal" by following these easy steps.
Never take food allergies lightly.
Don't share food.
Wash hands after eating.
Ask a friend what they are allergic to and help the friend avoid it.
Get help immediately if a schoolmate has a reaction.
C: Create a safe environment. Schools need to create a safe environment by minimizing risk and developing an emergency response plan should an allergic reaction occur.
Free program
Schools are eligible to receive a free copy of FAAN's School Food Allergy Program (SFAP).
The package includes a video, an EpiPen trainer, a poster and a binder with information and standardized forms. Visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org or call (800) 929-4040 for more information.
