Healthy Kids of  Sunrise

Food Allergies on the Rise

May 2015

 

     As you may already be aware, many classrooms and entire schools are now becoming a peanut free environment. Just a few years back, this wouldn't have been the case. What has changed? Food allergies, specifically peanut allergies, have become much more prevalent throughout the years.

 

 

     According to FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) nearly 8% of children have a food allergy. That’s nearly 1 in every 10 kids. If you think about what this looks like in a school, it would break down to 1-2 students having a food allergy in every classroom!

 

     Food allergies among children have increased 50% between the years of 1997 and 2011. Peanuts and tree nuts are the top two food allergens among kids. This is why schools and classrooms are beginning to limit or eliminate nuts or nut-based foods in school environments.

 

     Food allergy reactions in school are more common than you think. Reactions do not just occur in the cafeteria, either. Snacks outside the cafeteria, bake sales, and classroom parties are just a few examples of times when food-related allergic reactions could occur. Staff, students, and parents should all practice care when it comes to handling food at school.

 

     The prevalence of food allergies is definitely on the rise. This is just another reason to practice “clean eating” at home and at school! It may be safer to eat fresh foods that aren’t processed or made in a factory.

 

     Food allergies are becoming much more serious, and schools are trying to prevent allergic reactions any way possible. They need a lot of help from parents! This article may have been the most useful in the beginning of the school year, but keep this information in mind while you’re packing your child’s snack and lunch next school year!