How to Include Kids with Food Allergies with Safe Snacks

In recent years, the awareness and understanding of food allergies, especially among children, has grown significantly. With the increasing prevalence of severe allergic reactions, the need to help children with food allergies feel included in school and sports settings has become very important. Here are some ideas for why and how to include kids with food allergies with safe snacks.

Why is the inclusion of kids with food allergies important?

The inclusion of kids with food allergies is important for several reasons:

1. Safety: Children with food allergies are at risk of experiencing severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Inclusive environments ensure that these children are protected from exposure to allergens.
2. Well-being: Exclusion from social activities or feeling different from their peers due to food allergies can have a negative impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Inclusive environments foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, allowing children with food allergies to participate fully in school, sports, and social activities without fear or stigma. Children have experienced bullying for their food allergies, which is obviously something that they cannot control.
3. Education: All children have the right to access education in a safe and supportive environment. By accommodating the needs of children with food allergies, schools ensure that these students can fully engage in learning and academic opportunities without compromising their health or safety.
4. Community and social integration: Inclusive environments promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance among peers, educators, and the broader community. By educating others about food allergies and creating inclusive practices, schools and communities foster a culture of empathy and support for children with food allergies, helping to reduce instances of bullying or discrimination.

Inclusive practices extend beyond the classroom to sports settings, field trips, and special events. 

I think most parents have experienced either a child with a food allergy or a classroom that has to be free of allergens. We can all agree why this is necessary, but how can we, as parents, go a step beyond and actually make kids with food allergies feel included and considered, in a school or sports setting?

I have heard of parents of children with allergies or food intolerances sending an allergy safe treat to school when the class was having a treat that had allergens in it. This is fine, but sometimes cross contamination can occur, especially with kids.  Also, many of us have not considered how kids sometimes feel when they always have the snack that isn’t the same as everyone else’s. 

What if there was a treat or snack that was delicious and accepted by kids who were not allergic to a certain food?

Peanut butter and jelly are a popular food choice amongst kids, but there are many school-aged children with a peanut allergy who would likely suffer a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. Our oldest son is allergic to some tree nuts, so we know the fear of an anaphylactic reaction and the difficulty of food allergy management in a setting where kids are eating and not considering other’s food items or how they could be dangerous to others.

If your child has a peanut free classroom or school, SunButter® Jammies™ are a great alternative to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 

SunButter® Grape Jammies™ and SunButter® Strawberry Jammies™ are crustless, nut-less, and delicious. They are made with whole grains and include 7 grams of protein per serving. These individually wrapped sandwiches are the perfect way to serve a quick snack or meal that help those children with food allergies feel included and valued.

SunButter® Jammies™ are school-friendly, travel-friendly, and have no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. They are 100% nut free and produced in a facility that is certified free from top food allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame seeds.

Kids and food allergy parents will find comfort in these individually wrapped and branded sandwiches. It is a good way to not draw attention to a food allergy and meanwhile, lighten the load for these kids who might feel left out or singled out for their food allergies.

Jammies are stored in the freezer and thaw in 30-60 minutes at room temperature. If taking as an after game soccer snack, store in a cooler to let them thaw more slowly.

What can parents do to help kids with food allergies feel included?

Helping a child with a food allergy to feel included involves creating a supportive and understanding environment where their needs are respected and accommodated. Here are some ways you can make a child with a food allergy feel included:

1. Educate yourself and others: Learn about the child’s specific food allergy, including common triggers and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Educate other children, parents, teachers, and caregivers about the importance of food allergy awareness and how they can support the child.
2. Communicate openly: Have open and honest conversations with the child and their parents about their food allergy and any specific accommodations or precautions that need to be taken. Encourage the child to speak up about their needs and preferences, and listen to their concerns.
3. Create a safe environment: Take steps to minimize the risk of exposure to allergens in the child’s surroundings. This may include implementing a peanut-free or allergen-aware policy in the classroom, cafeteria, and other shared spaces. Provide designated areas for the child to eat lunch or snacks safely, such as a peanut-free table.
4. Include the child in activities: Ensure that the child can participate fully in school, sports, and social activities by making appropriate accommodations. Modify recipes or food options to accommodate their allergy during class parties, field trips, and special events. Encourage inclusive practices among classmates and teammates, such as choosing allergen-free snacks or treats.
5. Empower the child: Help the child develop self-management skills and strategies for managing their food allergy safely. Teach them how to read food labels, recognize allergens, and advocate for themselves in social situations. Provide access to emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, and ensure that they know how to use them.
6. Foster a supportive community: Encourage empathy, acceptance, and inclusion among peers, teachers, and caregivers. Discourage teasing, bullying, or exclusion based on the child’s food allergy. Organize educational activities or events to raise awareness about food allergies and promote understanding among the school community.

Note: We may feel a need to try to make allergy safe foods to help a child feel included, but please keep in mind that cross contamination is very hard to avoid, especially when you are used to cooking with that particular allergen in your kitchen. It’s a very sweet thought, but there is no way of knowing if a food is truly safe. It is best to stick with prepackaged foods that are labeled allergy safe.

By taking steps to accommodate the needs of children with food allergies and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, you can help make them feel valued, respected, and included in all aspects of school and social life.

SunButter® Jammies™ are a great way to provide a delicious snack with 7g protein to the whole soccer team, providing a safe environment for kids with peanut allergies. Imagine a child with food allergies feeling loved and included, and imagine the difference it would make for kids without food allergies to be able to provide that love and inclusion. That’s what a true team should look like!

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Details: Three lucky winners (USA Only, 18+) will each win a prize pack worth up to $50

 

Each Prize Pack Contains:

 

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