Last weekend, I bought deviled eggs to serve as appetizers for dinner guests. My nephew stopped by unexpectedly with his family and grabbed one. Before he had the chance to eat it, though, his sister snatched it from him. She wasn’t sure if they were safe to eat because of his allergies and we all thanked her for her quick thinking. But moments later, my nephew broke out in hives, his lips swelled and his eye began to sting. For a moment, I forgot there was mustard in the eggs. I felt terrible.
Fortunately, parents like my sister who are constantly around kids with allergies are prepared for situations like these. But as school gets back in session, birthday treats and snacks return, as well as lunches eaten in close proximity to others who may experience allergic reactions for the first time in their lives. My youngest daughter was given a list of “safe” snacks to bring to her preschool, and I think it’s worth sharing. While it’s not perfect, it’s a start, and I encourage readers to share more tips:
Fresh fruit
Vegetables
Applesauce
Yogurt
String cheese
Plain pretzels or Glutino pretzels
Plain raisins
Cheerios
Pita bread
Goldfish
Sun Chips
Hummus (although check for sesame allergies)
Marzetti’s dips
Annie’s organic crackers and non-dye fruit snacks
Teddy grahams
Animal crackers
Premium Saltines
Keebler Club crackers
It can be a challenge for parents to know what to do when it’s their child’s turn to bring treats to school. Following are some alternative ideas:
-Pass around party favors instead of cake. Items like novelty erasers, chapter books, and backpack key chains can add up to the same price as a store bought cake when purchased in bulk;
-Bring “school safe” cupcakes purchased from the freezer section of most grocery stores. Save the elaborate and custom cake for dinner with family and close friends;
-Purchas a gift for the classroom or donate a tree planting in another country in your child’s name. Leave the plaque in your child’s classroom.
