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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