Food Allergies and Children's Safety
Food is often a part of congregational life. Meals, potlucks, coffee hour, and classroom snacks can all pose a potential threat to persons with severe food allergies. Identifying children with food allergies via registration forms is just one piece of prevention. Ideally, the congregation will also develop a policy with guidelines that all employees and volunteers follow when working with children to create safer spaces for our children with severe and life-threatening food allergies. The following are several areas to address in food allergy policy:
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Communication between leaders, parents, and children about the child’s specific allergies
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Documentation of the child’s allergies and who will have access to those records
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Education for leaders, staff, and volunteers on common food allergies
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How to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergies
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How to minimize risk of allergic reactions
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Procedures and incident reports for children who experience an allergic reaction
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Allergy Action Plan easily accessible for each child who may experience a severe allergic reaction.
Review this manual's sections on Tree Nuts and Peanuts and Allergy Action Plans for further guidance.