Allergy Free School Lunchboxes

With the arrival of ‘Food Allergy Week’ I thought it was an opportune time to discuss school lunch boxes. With one in ten babies born today likely to develop a food allergy, it’s no wonder schools are tightening up the rules concerning packed lunches. The severe risks associated with life threatening allergies is no trivial matter.

On a personal note, I recently heard of the egg-free and nut-free policies of the school my daughter will be attending when she begins school next year. Although I obviously expected it (after teaching in various schools for several years), I had a little freak-out wondering what to send with my fussy daughter.

Here are some ideas that hopefully help you as much as they’ve helped me!

The eight common allergens include:

Peanuts
Tree nuts
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shelfish (not kosher)
Soy
Wheat

Depending on the restrictions of your school (or allergies of your child’s friends for social occasions), you may not need to avoid all of the allergens. The following list includes ideas for excluding nuts and egg, although a few may exclude more or all of the above common allergens.

Snacks for Lunchboxes

Carrot sticks
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Broccoli
Watermelon
Raisins
Grapes
Raspberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Apples
Pretzels
Popcorn
Rice crackers
Vegetable chips
Cheese
Yoghurt
Brownies

Rice crispy oatmeal cookies

Lunches

Crispy baked chicken fingers

Mushroom pate’

DIY mini pizzas

Ham, honey mustard and spinach roll ups

ham, honey mustard and spinach roll ups.jpg

Cold pasta salad

Tacos

Use up leftovers like slow cooked meat and fried rice

Tuna balls

Pizza roll tortillas

Fun shaped sandwiches

Leftover Pasta

Dips

Ham/meat/chicken and salad wraps
Ham and cheese croissants

Birthdays

Dairy-free chocolate ‘pudding’: whip together avocado, banana, honey and cocoa powder.
Iceblocks: freeze blueberry puree’ with no added sugar.
Fairy bread on GF bread
Zooper Doopers
Fruit
Egg free cupcakes