Bring More than Air to the Table: A Follow up on "Food Allergies, Kids, and Classrooms"

Food is essential to living, we need it to survive.  Food is also a central element to celebration: It brings people together, it’s delicious, and it’s fun.   When you argue with yourself, or with others, about whether or not classroom parties should be allergen-free, keep in mind that if others are excluded, the point of food being for celebration will be lost. 

I suggest that classroom parties be centered on playing, learning, and gifting.  Try some of these ideas:

• Playing:  Divide into teams for your own version of “Minute to Win It”; introduce cultural games with the Dreidel or Mancala; keep it fun and creative.
• Learning: Balloons, string, tape, and a straw can unlock the mystery of jet propulsion; baking soda, vinegar, and raisins are a crowd pleaser; dry ice and dish soap touch on chemistry. 
• Gifting and Crafting:  Make the teacher a gift during your Valentine Party; make ornaments or paper snowflakes during the holiday party; masks for Halloween.

If food is absolutely needed in the classroom, then I encourage you to make a change about the type of food you bring into the classroom.  Are we really nourished by a dozen mini cupcakes from Wal-Mart? Sure, it’s convenient, but is it the best choice we can make?

Think BIG

If you are asked to bring in snacks free of gluten, peanuts, and other allergens, don’t assume that the only thing you can bring is AIR. (click on AIR for article about only being able to bring air to a party due to allergies).  Try changing the status quo by introducing cultural food, preparing food in the classroom, or bringing in good old fashioned fruits and vegetables. 

Here are some ideas, just remember to get the kids involved in the process and let them do as much as possible.  It will be magical!

• Prepare fresh guacamole and salsa by bringing in avocados, diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime and corn chips.

Guacamole:

Assume one recipe ratio per 2-3 students for the guacamole and salsa

1 avocado, mashed

1 TBSP minced cilantro

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Pinch of salt

Mix is all together and enjoy!

Salsa:

3 plum tomatoes, petite diced

1 TBSP red onion

2 TBSP chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Pinch of salt

• Try juicing oranges, watermelons, or other fruits and mix with soda water to make fruit sodas.
• Host an apple tasting.
• Make geometric designs with melon cut outs made from cookie cutters or make fruit kabobs.
• Roll vegetable sushi
• Pop popcorn with an air popper

I have suggested to teachers, principals, and parents that snack foods do not belong in the classroom.  My suggestion has never been well received.  The reasons range from late lunches and early starts, begging kids to demanding parents, and precedent.  Snacks are likely to stay in the classroom, but our choices on what to send to school can make a difference in the life a child with food allergies.  Lessons in empathy, understanding, and healthy eating are sure to follow.