Back to School With Food Allergies: Preparing for a Safe and Confident School Year
Back to School With Food Allergies: Preparing for a Safe and Confident School Year
Back to School With Food Allergies: Preparing for a Safe and Confident School Year
by Caroline Moassessi, FAACT Vice President of Community Relations
The first day of school is often filled with excitement—new backpacks, fresh notebooks, reunited friends, and endless possibilities. For families managing food allergies, it’s also the beginning of a new season of planning, communication, and teamwork. A little preparation before the first school bell rings can help your child start the year feeling safe, confident, and ready to thrive.
Fresh Starts
Schedule a meeting with school staff before the first day of classes. Meet with teachers, school nurses, food service staff, coaches, and anyone else who will interact with your child throughout the day. Review or establish accommodations and discuss the year ahead, including classroom celebrations, field trips, extracurricular activities, and emergency procedures.
Tip: Include your child in age-appropriate discussions whenever possible. For children who may not be present, bring a photo and place it at the center of the meeting table to help personalize the conversation and keep the focus on your child.
This is also the perfect time to review how your child’s epinephrine device is used. Many manufacturers provide training videos and demonstration devices that can be used during your meetings to help school personnel become more comfortable recognizing an allergic reaction and responding confidently during an emergency.
Families now have multiple FDA-approved epinephrine options available, including auto-injectors that deliver a pre-measured dose into the thigh—even through clothing—and a needle-free nasal spray that is absorbed through the nasal passages. Speak with your healthcare provider about which option is most appropriate for your child's age, lifestyle, and individual needs. Some manufacturers also offer free virtual telehealth visits that connect families with allergists.
Before school begins, check expiration dates on all epinephrine devices and refill prescriptions if needed; school staff may not be able to administer expired medications. When picking up medications, verify the expiration date before leaving the pharmacy, as shelf life may vary among products.
Following are additional resources to help you on your back-to-school journey:
Smart Spending
Back-to-school sales aren’t just for notebooks and backpacks. Stock up on classroom supplies that can be used throughout the year for non-food celebrations. Check clearance sales after school starts for additional savings.
Some epinephrine manufacturers also provide patient assistance programs, including co-pay savings and other financial support for eligible families. Eligible commercially insured patients may even qualify for a $0 co-pay through select manufacturer programs, making it worthwhile to explore the options available. Since these programs often require your healthcare provider’s participation, begin the application process well before school starts. Compare prices at different pharmacies before filling your prescription. Costs can vary widely, and a little research may lead to significant savings.
Tip: Keep a stash of festive pencils, stickers, or small toys for classroom parties. Many FAACT families also print FAACT’s holiday crossword puzzles and word searches to provide food-free fun for classmates.
Building Confidence
Preparing for school isn’t just about paperwork and supplies—it’s also about helping children build the confidence to manage their food allergies. Role play is a powerful skill that can be used for children of all ages. For younger children, use FAACT Family Activities at Home, such as, “Let’s Rehearse Lunchtime at School.” Older children can rehearse telling adults about their food allergy.
As your child’s independence grows, discuss real-life situations, such as after-school activities, sports, parties, and special events. Review the importance of always carrying two epinephrine products and explore different carrying options that fit your child’s routine, from school days to weddings, proms, or playdates.
Tip: Teach teens how to explain their food allergy and needs to unknown people. As they age, they will engage more directly with teachers and school staff.
You are your child’s first teacher. Invite them to take an active role in managing their food allergies by engaging in real-life conversations, such as with restaurant staff; attending school meetings; or asking questions during medical appointments.
Every school year brings new challenges and new opportunities for growth. By planning ahead, building confidence, and partnering with your healthcare provider to choose and manage the epinephrine option that’s right for your child, you’ll help your family begin the school year prepared, empowered, and ready to succeed.
