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

• 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

• Allergy free strawberry cake

If you have another great allergy free recipe or school lunch idea, please share with us!

Does your child have an allergy? What are your thoughts and advice?

For other great ideas, check out some of the links throughout this post by clicking on the pictures.

I know I’m feeling a lot less stressed and I hope you are too :-)

For more information on Food Allergy Week, click here.

www.rachellesadler.com

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