Food Allergy Expectations

Lincoln School recognizes that food allergies, in some instances, may be severe and, even occasionally, life threatening. The foods most likely to cause allergic reactions are peanuts, tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, filbert/hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, walnut), dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Although most food allergies produce symptoms that are uncomfortable, persons with food allergies can suffer serious or life-threatening reactions.

Understanding and managing the risks of serious food allergies are necessary to provide a safe educational environment. Lincoln School is committed to working with students, parents, and healthcare professionals to implement safeguards that minimize the risks related to students’ food allergies and to respond appropriately in the event of students’ allergic reactions both on-campus and off campus. However, the School cannot guarantee that a student will never experience an allergy-related reaction on this campus or at a school-sponsored activity. Therefore, the ultimate responsibility for food allergy risk reduction lies with the student and her parents/guardians.

Family’s Responsibility

• Promptly notify the School of the child’s allergies once they are known.

• Submit written medical documentation pertaining to the allergy (including the appropriate Allergy Action Plan), instructions, and medications as directed by the child’s physician.

• Supply the School with properly labeled medication and replace the medications after use or upon expiration.

• Submit emergency contact information.

• Educate the child about how to manage her allergy at school, including, but not limited to, identifying “safe foods” by reviewing Lincoln School’s weekly lunch menu together, and contacting the food service director for ingredient listings. If parents are uncertain about possible exposure to allergy-causing foods, they should provide meals or snacks for their child.

• Debrief with School staff, the child’s physician, and the child (if appropriate) after an allergic reaction has occurred.

School’s Responsibility

• Review health records submitted by parents.

• Include food-allergic students in school activities.

• Participate, together with the parents and physician, in the determination as to whether the student will carry her own epinephrine.

If it is determined in the opinion of the student’s parents and physician that the student should not carry her own epinephrine, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, the School shall properly store the student’s epinephrine in an easily accessible, secure location central to designated School personnel.

• Maintain an emergency supply of epinephrine on campus and in first aid kits for treatment of an anaphylactic response during off-campus activities.

• Work with its food service vendor to provide a variety of foods in the dining hall that all students may enjoy. In the case of a student with multiple or unusual allergies, however, the School may require the student or family to provide lunch or snacks, if necessary for the student’s safety.

• Inform faculty and staff who have routine contact with a food-allergic student of the student’s food allergy.

• Educate faculty and staff on campus to recognize signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and to respond appropriately, as necessary.

• Discuss food allergy management with families during on-campus and off-campus functions, such as field trips and retreats.

• Educate students to refrain from sharing foods.

Student’s Responsibility

• Refrain from sharing food.

• Not ingest anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain any allergen.

• Be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions based on their developmental level.

• Notify an adult immediately if they eat something they believe may contain the food that they are allergic to or if they notice any symptom of an allergic reaction.

• If appropriate, based on the opinion of the student’s parents and physician and in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, carry epinephrine with her.