Background

District 39 recognizes the importance of healthy nutrition and protection of students with life-threatening food allergies. We also recognize celebrating accomplishments and milestones and the variety of ways to celebrate. As food may be a component to events, a review of food in the classroom was conducted to update guidelines for the elementary buildings. Please refer to District 39’s Resource Guide for Supporting Children with Life-Threatening Allergies (223 kB, adopted 3/23/05; revised 2010-11) for comprehensive guidance related to allergies.

General Guidelines for Communal Food

1. District 39 discourages the use of food as a reward.
2. District 39 encourages alternate methods for recognition of birthdays other than food treats. Some possible non-edible alternatives are school supplies, pencils, stickers, note pads, donate a book in your child’s name for his/her classroom or school library, a parent or family member read to his/her class in honor of the event, or donation of a game or activity to his/her classroom.
3. Activities across classrooms involving communal food sharing are not recommended as this increases the likelihood that a student could ingest a food containing an ingredient that may cause an allergic reaction. Any such activity will need the Principal's permission and a formal plan to communicate food allergies to parents providing the food and parents of children with allergies.
4. If food is brought into the classroom to be shared, items should be commercially prepared or prepared by licensed food vendors. This includes fruits and vegetables. Pre-packaging will avoid the possibility of cross-contamination. Pre-packaged foods should list all ingredients on the labels.
5. For any food or drink brought into school for instructional purposes or celebrations, the classroom teacher should authorize and approve the food selection at least two days in advance.
6. Curriculum and supporting activities will be reviewed individually as needed to evaluate the use of food for projects.