Because children with food allergies love to enjoy the parties and celebrations just as much as other kids, I reached out to Lori Sandler, the inspirational founder & owner of the scrumptious allergen friendly Divvies dessert products. With the holidays just around the corner, more parents, friends, and families are challenged with keeping children touched by food allergies safe during this festive season. Today, one in 13 children (translates into 2 children in every classroom) are affected by allergies to foods such as milk, peanuts and tree nuts, ingredients commonly found in candy. With careful planning, and vigilance, Lori says, "by being ultra-prepared and making food-allergen safety a number one priority, holidays can be an inclusive experience for all."
Lori’s following suggestions can help ensure your child's experience feels safe and inclusive:
1) Take care of your child's heart. Remember your child's emotional needs. Be mindful about drawing unnecessary attention to his/her food allergies.
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2) Be available as much as possible. Plan on attending classroom and out-of-school parties in order to check ingredients of all food being served, and to resolve safety concerns. If you can't stay for the entire party, be sure to stay long enough to check all of the food ingredients.
3) Communicate in a positive manner. Make safe-food suggestions to the teacher/host well in advance of the party.
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4) Donate safe snacks or solicit volunteers. Provide the snacks, if necessary, to ensure everything is safe.
5) Be prepared! Be sure to carry your child's emergency medicines with you while attending parties at school and at others’ homes.
6) Be 2 steps ahead! Bring allergen-safe and delicious meals/desserts that all will enjoy to friends' and families’ homes.
7) Check and re-check all ingredients in all dishes. Remember that familiar foods and brands, made specifically for the holiday season, may have different ingredients or be manufactured on different machinery from their around-the-year counterparts.
Lori & I both recommend that you check out www.divvies.com for nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free (some gluten-free, too) chocolates, candies, cookies, cupcakes and gifts to help make your celebrations inclusive for everyone. I have to add that her products are quite delicious and made with love.
