Food Allergies in the Classroom
Resources to help teachers and other educators create and maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
If you haven’t had a student with a food allergy in your classroom yet, odds are you soon will. For reasons that aren’t completely understood, the incidence of food allergies is increasing. One in 13 children, or roughly two in every classroom, has a food allergy.
Classroom Toolkit
Use this toolkit to help your students with food allergies be safe and included at school.
My Student Has a Food Allergy. What Can I Do to Help?
Teachers can follow these recommendations to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion or exposure to food allergens in the classroom.
My Classmate Has a Food Allergy. What Can I Do to Help?
Students, both with allergies and without, can follow these recommendations to help their friends and classmates feel supported and safe.
How Might a Child Describe a Reaction?
Children have unique ways of describing their experiences and perceptions, and allergic reactions are no exception. This tip sheet provides examples of the words a child might use to describe a reaction.
Training Presentations/Programs
Recognizing & Responding to Anaphylaxis
School faculty and staff can take this online training course to learn about the severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, its causes, and the proper emergency response.
Keeping Students Safe & Included
School faculty and staff can take this online training course to learn about managing food allergies in schools, how to best protect students with food allergies, and how to keep them included.
Be a PAL®
Elementary school teachers can use this educational program in their classrooms to Protect A Life by helping children learn how to be a good friend to kids with food allergies.
In Their Own Words - Kids Living With Food Allergies
Classroom Tips
Follow these recommendations to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion or exposure to food allergens in the classroom.
Tips for Managing Students with Food Allergies During a Shelter-in-Place Emergency
Many schools and districts have emergency plans for when children and staff must shelter in place. (These rare events are sometimes called “lockdowns.”) Such plans must account for the special needs of children with food allergies—especially in terms of what foods to include in an emergency food supply.
Tips for Field Trips
Field trips are a highlight of the school year, but chaperones must take extra precautions to keep children with food allergies safe. Follow these tips for a successful event.
Tips for Cleaning
Cleaning tables and other surfaces to remove food allergens can make classrooms and cafeterias safer for children with food allergies. Learn more about effective sanitation methods.
Tips for Non-Food Treats and Rewards
Food treats are an easy and convenient reward for good performance or behavior, but they can be a problem for children with food allergies. Choose nonfood items instead to help create a healthy, safe and inclusive environment.
Classroom Materials
Download these free materials to help your students feel supported and safe.
Food Allergy Bingo
Teachers can use this fun classroom activity to educate their students about food allergies.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Poster
Help staff remember how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Hang this poster in the nurse’s office and in classrooms with children who have known food allergies.
Handwashing Poster
You can display this poster to remind children to wash their hands before and after touching food.
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