Peanut-Free Foods for Schools

Halloween can be frightening if your child has a peanut allergy, but with some extra precaution, the situation can be handled so that your child does not miss out on the fun.

Many elementary school children will be bringing candy and baked treats to school to share for Halloween. Now is a good time to visit or call your child's teacher to remind him or her that your child is not able to eat baked goods brought in by students or teachers. Speak with the school nurse and school administrator to make sure that everyone involved in the celebration knows that your child is not able to eat any foods containing peanuts or peanut products.

Peanut-Free Treats

A few peanut-free snacks that are safe for all children at school are: cheese sticks that are individually wrapped, small cups of flavored yogurt or push-to-eat packages of children's yogurt. Popsicles or fruit bars are another great treat, but be sure that they are not produced on equipment that also makes ice cream treats containing peanuts.

If your child really wants candy for a Halloween party at school, some candies are considered to be safe, including Jolly Ranchers, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Bears, Nerds and Whoppers. Hershey Kisses and Dum Dum suckers are popular peanut-free candies that children love. Be sure to read all labels before feeding any of the treats recommended in this article. Manufacturers may change their procedures, which could make one of these foods unsafe. Read the labels of all packaged foods so that no child suffers from a serious allergic reaction.

Your child may like to take cookies or crackers to school for Halloween. Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Cheeze-Its, Wheatables and Rold Gold Pretzels are a few of the snacks that are peanut-free. Of course, these products contain dairy products, including milk and eggs, wheat, and may also contain other items that are allergens for some children.

Non-Food Items Are Safest

Your school may have policies in place that prohibit children from bringing treats to school for special occasions. This is the safest way to ensure that
your child with a peanut allergy does not accidetally eat foods that could cause a peanut allergy reaction. Young children are usually appreciative of any unique item that you give them. You may want to consider some of the things that are normally given in guest bags for children's birthday parties. These could be stickers, puzzles, small games, temporary tattoos, markers or crayons.