Last week I wrote about my son not being able to order an item on the lunch menu because a new brand was offered. As many of you already know, I took issue with this not only because it was one of the few items my son could eat, but because I was more concerned about inclusion in the lunchroom for our food allergic kids. I took the matter to the higher powers in our school district and was pleasantly surprised.
The head cafeteria administrator explained to me that the new product was ordered because it had zero trans fat, an issue that was very important to our school district when they were creating the lunch menu this year. Most of the items served had to fit this requirement. Unfortunetly, the nuggets John ordered safely last year had trans fat in them.
We talked at length about how to best address the needs of those on special diets as well as meet the needs of every student in the school. Every item ordered needs to fall within the nutritional guidelines of zero trans fat and make economical sense. We also discussed the issue of why soy milk can’ t be introduced, especially for children who have dairy allergies, are lactose intolerant or are vegan. The head cafeteria admisinstrator was initially told she couldn’t get soy milk because her vendor couldn’t stock it, but it turns out they can. They just have to order smaller quantities and will sell the 8 oz. cartons of soy milk at $1 each. It will be a pilot program and the head cafeteria administrator will order a small case to start. Hopefully it will go well; I’ll keep you posted.
Finally, I offered to to come in to meet the head cafeteria administrator to gain a better understanding of the whole ordering process. The woman who oversees all this was extrememly kind and receptive to all my concerns and readily accepted and understood the needs of FA kids in the lunchroom. She really got it, and I was so grateful for her support, understanding and “can do” attittude. It is in moments like this that I feel very lucky to live in a school district that is so willing to listen to change. She was the first to say when asked about piloting the soy milk introduction, “why not” and “let’s give it a try”. How lucky is that?
There’s one more thing I had to share because it seemed so funny. Since the weather was warm this weekend we splurged and took the kids out for a treat. We took along a bag of Starburst for John (his favorite) and let the three other children choose a treat at a local sweets shop. Chloe, Matthew and David each ordered a cupcake and my husband ordered a chocolate chip cookie. Every treat tasted awful, so awful that no one finished anything. This is unheard of in my house…throwing out a cupcake? Horrors! Seriously though, it was that bad. And these treats were made with full butter and eggs. My son John laughed at his sister and brothers, and told them, ” you guys should know mom’s treats are better!” It was a good reminder for all of us that we’re not really missing much in the world of bakeries and sweets shops! Bake your own treats…they are so much better. 
Happy Baking!
I ordered your book two days after it came out and I love it. I was never really much of a baker but this weekend I made bread for my family! So far, every recipe has been great! My daughter loves the banana choc chip muffins, so does my husband! Can’t wait for your next book!
Thanks!
Way to go, mama! You are such an inspiration in the way that you deal positively with your district. As for the overpriced yuck-o treats? What a sweet moment for John! Just goes to show you that butter and eggs surely don’t make the treat. Hope you’re continuing to do well!
That is wonderful news regarding the school! I can’t wait to read an update. I also wanted to add I made the pumpkin bread in your cookbook last week and it was a huge hit! My husband, who likes to complain that everything dairy-free is tasteless, are more slices than I did! Thanks for everything you do!
Hi Kelly,
So thrilled to hear that your school district is so recepitve to this. And of course Mommy’s treats always taste better!
Not sure if anyone from Canada has sent this to you yet, but here is an article that appeared in a leading Canadian women’s magazine. It’s been quite devastating to everyone who fights so hard to keep our children safe. You can read it here http://en.chatelaine.com/english/food/article.jsp?content=20091001_150000_0023. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Further to my previous comments, here is the letter sent to Chatelaine magazine from Anaphalyxis Canada: http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/pdf/Chatelaine_rebu.pdf
“Bake your own treats…they are so much better”–especially if you bake them, Kelly!
BTW, my kids are so spoiled by my home baking that my youngest (non-allergic) daughter doesn’t even like half the stuff she gets to eat that her sister can’t. Kind of gives you a morale boost, when they appreciate your baking efforts so much, doesn’t it??
The school district we live in offers soy milk. I am a teacher in another district and the ladies in the cafeteria are so accomodating. On the days they serve pizza, they make a special pizza for the kids that have a gluten allergy. Most schools do what they can to make these kids, and moms
, happy.
Great news about school Kelly. I LOVE John’s comments too – it’s nice to know that although the fancy bakery stuff may “look” better sometimes (at least that’s the case when I bake!), the food that comes from your kitchen always tastes best! : )
Great news about school. John is just like Nick and the oreos.
Tricia, you are SO kind to write that!!! Thanks so much, and thanks so much also for sharing your insight…couldn’t agree with you more!
Exactly Liz!
LOL Carla…I know what you are saying about fancy!
[...] From The Food Allergy Mama [...]
I’m new to your site. Excited to find other FA bloggers. My daughter is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts & eggs. I dread her going to school but I’m glad to hear your son is able to go and that you are having success keeping him safe there. I’m looking forward to reading more from your blog.
I love your blog and have added it to mine. I love the story about your bakery experience I bet your little guy enjoyed that and was grateful for his Starbursts!
What food coloring company do you use? They look great!