Peanut-Free School Snacks Aren’t So Tough to Crack

As if having a picky eater isn’t tough enough, I also have to be more label conscious when packing snacks and lunches for school since my son’s kindergarten class is officially a “peanut-free environment.” While some parents find it annoying to be prohibited from putting PB&J sandwiches into the rotation, I have no problem doing my part. I had the chance to meet the mom whose severely allergic son will be in J.J.’s class this year, and I truly feel for her.

Imagine having to send an EpiPen to school with your child? Or worry every time someone sends cupcakes into class, or there’s a school bake sale, that your child will take a bite and have an anaphylactic reaction?

Good tip: My mom-friend keeps peanut-free baked goods in her freezer to send to school with her son when there’s a class party.

The thing is, it’s not just peanut butter sandwiches that’ll cause harm. There are so many processed foods that are made with peanut oil, and many others that are simply not on our radar as possibly having nut products in them. Cereal bars, granola bars, some cake mixes, chocolate candy, and even some packaged pretzels are surprising culprits.

Having an allergy-free child is something most of us take for granted. I recently read about a minor league baseball team that had a “peanut free” game night to raise awareness. For one family in attendance, it was the very first time they were able to attend a ball game without being afraid of sitting next to someone tossing peanut shells.

These are things most parents never have to worry about (on top of all our other worries). So. if taking five seconds to check a label to make sure it doesn’t say “may contain peanuts” will keep my friend’s son safe, then I’m on board. Plus, it’ll encourage me to avoid all of the processed chips and snack cake options, and include healthy fruit cups, applesauce, cut-up veggies, and string cheese instead. We’ll just make PB&J an after-school treat. Food for thought…

Moms: What’s your take on peanut-free environments? Share in the comments below!

-Dawn Papandrea