by contributing writer, Carol Depke of
Gateway FEASTAugust has now begun and this means back-to-school shopping for many of us. My son will be starting full day kindergarten. For the majority, it’s pretty easy as they have a list from their school that dictates what they need. I am realizing though as a food allergy parent, I need a lot more than just what is on that list.
My first realization was that most likely, my son will not be buying school prepared lunch very often, if at all. After talking to another friend whose child has food allergies, she suggested buying a
dual compartment lunchbox.She also recommended these handy
snack thermoses like the one here:
Lastly, a
heat/cold pack like this one that fits into the bottom compartment of the lunch box.
She also recommended the small soy drink boxes for those allergic to milk since our milk allergic children can’t buy it at school, or you can buy a thermos as well. Just make sure it keeps milk cold long enough. This is all for lunch preparation. My friend freezes portions of things like taco meat, spaghetti, etc. She even makes mini hamburgers that fit in the snack thermos. Then heats them up when needed, adds the heat or cold pack to whichever compartment and they are on their way! This way you can keep their lunch exciting like everyone else’s.
Other things that need to be done before school starts:
• Have prescriptions and all medications refilled as needed
• Fill out your action plan and talk with the nurse and teacher about it
• Figure out medical identification for you child (i.e. tag, bracelet, etc.)
Resources for families living with food allergies (peanut allergy, nut allergy, egg allergy, wheat allergy, milk allergy, fish allergy, shellfish allergy, and soy allergy)
August has now begun and this means back-to-school shopping for many of us. My son will be starting full day kindergarten. For the majority, it’s pretty easy as they have a list from their school that dictates what they need. I am realizing though as a food allergy parent, I need a lot more than just what is on that list.
My first realization was that most likely, my son will not be buying school prepared lunch very often, if at all. After talking to another friend whose child has food allergies, she suggested buying a dual compartment lunchbox.
She also recommended these handy snack thermoses like the one here:
Lastly, a heat/cold pack like this one that fits into the bottom compartment of the lunch box.
She also recommended the small soy drink boxes for those allergic to milk since our milk allergic children can’t buy it at school, or you can buy a thermos as well. Just make sure it keeps milk cold long enough. This is all for lunch preparation. My friend freezes portions of things like taco meat, spaghetti, etc. She even makes mini hamburgers that fit in the snack thermos. Then heats them up when needed, adds the heat or cold pack to whichever compartment and they are on their way! This way you can keep their lunch exciting like everyone else’s.
Other things that need to be done before school starts:
• Have prescriptions and all medications refilled as needed
• Fill out your action plan and talk with the nurse and teacher about it
• Figure out medical identification for you child (i.e. tag, bracelet, etc.)