How To Foster A Food Allergy Aware Classroom

Episode 135 of The On-Air Advocate

Host: Tammy Flynn, Connect with Tammy on Facebook @theonairadvocate.

Guest: Kathy Przywara, Senior Community Director For The Asthma And Allergy Foundation Of America. (AAFA)

Episode Original Airdate:  8.12.19

Topic: How To Foster A Food Allergy Aware Classroom

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General Stats For Food Allergies

• 6 million kids in the U.S. have a food allergy
• 1-13 kids have a food allergy
• 2 kids in every classroom can have a food allergy
• 45% of anaphylaxis reactions begin the classroom
• 8 top allergens include sesame
• Any food can be an allergy
• Children can develop an allergy to milk and eggs
• Anyone can develop, and later grow out of an allergy
• 26 million adults have a food allergy​

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Teal Classroom/ What you can do to spread awareness

Teal classrooms for students and staff represent food allergy awareness. Having an inclusive classroom encourages anyone with a food allergy. There is also the Teal Classroom Kit available for download at kidswithfoodallrtgies.org/tealclassroom

 
How to promote food allergy awareness in the classroom

• Remove foods from rewards and lesson plans
• Promote inclusion and understanding
• Have food-free collaborations IE. Arts and crafts ETC
• Teach kids about food allergies
• Wash hands
• Don’t share food

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By doing these simple things within the classroom it reduces the child’s stress and can reduce food allergy bullying. 1-3 kids report being bullied because they have a food allergy. Kids will protect one another from bullying.

Other Things To Remember

• It is also important to get the parents involved, Partner with your child’s school. Be flexible, and come with proposed solutions while keeping your goal in mind. It is also really important to get others on board too.
• Encourage people this is important and life-threatening.
• Further your changes to other groups like the PTA, committees, and parenting groups ETC
• Know emergency procedures in and outside the school.
• Have in services for staff and kids. Find resources here: kidswithfoodallergies.org/school​​

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Social Media For Kids With Food Allergies

Facebook @kidswithfoodallergiesfoundation

Twitter @kidswithfoodallergiesfoundation

Instagram @kidswithfoodsallergiesfoundation

Youtube @kidswithfoodallergiesfoundation

You can also join their online community at kidswithfoodallergies.org/join

There you will find research, resources, and how to get involved in advocating for kids with food allergies. You can also find a helpful print out for back to school called, 10 school planning tips.

Tammy’s Final Thoughts

Tammy urges that food allergy awareness is needed everywhere you go.

She also adds if you teach kids about food allergies in school, that they will then take that knowledge home, and the awareness continues at home.
 
Tammy also states as parents, we are always are child’s best advocate.
 
Tammy also urges people, our young adults, and business to look at how food allergies can affect job opportunities. Cross-contamination ECT

You can watch the full-length video here: ​

Or listen to the podcast here: