A food allergy is a serious medical condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets a food protein (called an allergen) and attacks it. Reactions to a food allergen can be mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. Symptoms can include hives, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting, sneezing, and runny nose. The worst severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, where allergic symptoms affect multiple areas of the body. If not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can lead to death. Children and adults with severe food allergies should carry an unexpired epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen, Auvi-Q, Adrenaclick) at all times.

There is no cure for food allergies; the only treatment is strictly avoiding foods to which you are allergic. Even with strict avoidance, it is possible to come in contact with allergens, through cross-contamination or contact with another person. This is why it is extremely important to carry an auto-injector with you at all times if you have a potentially life-threatening food allergy.

If your child has a food allergy or other medical condition that requires a special diet, please have the Dietary Modifications Form filled out by a licensed healthcare professional (Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner). Return a copy to the nurse at your child’s school and a copy to the Nutrition & Wellness Educator in School Nutrition Services. If your child has a LIFE-THREATENING food allergy, you will need to submit the Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP) document to your student's school nurse to ensure that information is on file at your child’s school. please contact the nurse at your child’s school.

If your child is lactose intolerant or milk sensitive and cannot drink skim or 1% cow’s milk, we can offer lactose-free milk or soy milk as an alternative. Per USDA regulations, we cannot offer juice or water to replace milk. If you would like your student to receive lactose-free or soy milk, please fill out the Milk Substitutes Form and return it to the cafeteria at your child’s school. This form only requires a parent’s signature and does not need to be signed by a physician.