Severe Food Allergy Information Sheet

Food allergies are serious business! Several students within LGSD have severe food allergies.
What does it mean if a child is allergic to nuts?
An allergy to tree nuts or peanuts can be life threatening. A food allergy is a disease not a choice. A child with a tree nut allergy can't eat or come into contact with any tree nut/peanut products. It is more than just not liking nuts. If a child with a severe allergy accidentally eats a tree nut or peanut, then they could break out in a rash, have swelling of the face and airways, or could stop breathing. In extreme cases and without medical care, a severe food allergy can be deadly.
Samples of Tree Nuts: almond; Brazil nut; cashew; chestnut; filbert/hazelnut; macadamia nut; pecan; pine nut (pignolia nut); pistachio; walnut. Did you know that a peanut is NOT a tree nut?
Peanuts: Students can also have a severe allergy to peanuts. Peanuts grow under the ground and are a part of the legume family.
What is a Peanut/Tree Nut Safe Campus and how can I help?
LGSD wants to provide a safe place for all students to go to school. We have made the following changes to keep students with a peanut/tree nut allergy safe:
- Tell your teacher and the school nurse if you are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or any other foods.
- No peanut or tree nut products are served in the cafeteria.
- Everyone needs to wash their hands with soap and water to remove any peanut/tree nut residue after eating. Hand sanitizing does not remove residue.
- Everyone is encouraged to pack peanut/tree nut free snacks and lunches. This includes peanut butter sandwiches, peanut butter crackers, peanuts, almonds, pecans, etc. If your child does bring a nut product to school for lunch or snack, please let your teacher or school nurse know so that a plan can be implemented to keep others safe.
- Do not share food! Please teach your child to not share food with other students.
- If you are making food for a class party, please check with the teacher for food allergies in the class. The teacher can give you guidelines to keep students safe.
- Food allergies are serious. Say "no" to teasing and tricks.
- If your friend has an allergic reaction, tell a grownup quickly.
Remember: "Be a PAL!" - Protect A Life