7-10-22 | ORLANDO, FL
Sherry Coleman Collins is a Marietta, GA based registered dietitian nutritionist with experience in food allergies, pediatric clinical nutrition, school foodservice and nutrition communications. She is a consultant for National Peanut Board. Consultant, National Peanut Board Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD
Facts for Food Allergy Management
IGNITE will be an evening event beginning with the 60 minute finale recording of Next Up Live: The 4 C’s Behind the Business of Child Nutrition featuring:
According to CDC, as many as 1 in 13 children has a food allergy. (2) While food allergy reactions can be mild, they can also be unpredictable and can rapidly escalate from mild to life-threatening in minutes. This, coupled with myths and misinformation, can lead to increased fear and anxiety among students and their caregivers, as well as unnecessary food- bans and restrictions at school that fail to truly protect students with food allergies. Here are 3 important facts that can help debunk common food allergy myths, reduce anxiety, and build better food allergy management plans. Fact 1: The smell of peanut butter won’t cause a life-threatening food allergy reaction. The most common myth I hear is that people with peanut allergy can’t be in the same room with peanuts. Actually, the chemical compounds that result in odor are not the proteins that cause food allergy reactions. Research shows peanut allergic children who smell peanut butter, including in close proximity, do not react (5) (3) Peanut proteins are heavy and do not easily aerosolize. The risk of being near peanut foods for individuals with peanut allergies is very low. Moreover, peanut protein can easily be cleaned from surfaces using common household cleaners. (4) Fact 2: Banning peanuts or other common foods isn’t necessary to keep students with food allergies safer. Food allergy experts say bans aren’t medically necessary. (6) Research shows that bans don’t
reduce the use of emergency medications that treat food allergy reactions. (1) Bans are also nearly impossible to enforce and can lead to a false sense of security for those with food allergies. Finally, banning one or two foods does nothing to address all other possible food allergies. Fact 3: Creating a comprehensive food allergy management plan is a best practice. The CDC’s Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs provides a road map such to create a plan and includes checklists to make creating a plan even easier. Using evidence-based approaches like the ones from Prevention and management of allergic reactions to food in child care centers and schools: Practice guidelines are a sure way to create a more effective plan. Keeping students with food allergies safer at school is an important part of managing school nutrition programs. Having the facts can help! For more information on managing peanuts and other potential allergens, visit PeanutsinSchools.org. Works Cited 1. Bartnikas L, H. M. (2017). Impact of school peanut-free policies on epinephrine administration. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 465-473. 2. CDC. (2022, February 24). CDC Healthy Schools: Food Allergies. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3. Dinakar C, S. J. (2016). The transforming power of proximity food challenges. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, Immunol, 135-137. 4. Perry T, C.-W. M. (2004). Distribution of peanut allergen in the environment. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 973-976. 5. Simonte S, M. S. (2003). Relevance of casual contact with peanut butter in children with peanut allergy . J Allergy Clin Immunol, 180-182. 6. Waserman S, C. H. (2021). Prevention and management of allergic reactions to food in child care centers and schools: Practice guidelines. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1561-1578.
Shannon Solomon, MS, SNS Director of Nutrition Services, Aurora Public Schools, CO Event Host
Jessica Shelley, MBA, SNS, REHS Director of Student Dining Services, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
Katie Cossette, MDA, RDN, SNS Director of Nutrition Services, Englewood Schools, CO
Roy R. Pistone II, RD, M.Ed., SNS Director of Food Services, Citrus County School District, FL
26
The Next Up episode will be filmed and recorded in-front of a live audience with opportunities to engage with the hosts and guests. The episode also qualifies for Continuing Education Units! Along with the live filming there will be a cocktail hour, food, and, of course, dancing! Tickets will be limited, as will the sponsorship opportunities. The goal for this event is to provide edutainment and networking opportunities for industry and operators. Lunchroom RockStars are individuals who deserve recognition for making positive impacts and contributions to school nutrition programs – all while working tirelessly to ensure our children are well-fed and ready to learn! Join us at IGNITE on Sunday, July 10th, 2022 to help us recognize and celebrate our nation’s Lunchroom Rockstars.
Nisha Bagepalli
Event MC
Marlon Gordon
Event MC
IGNITE Co-Sponsors:
IGNITE isn’t just another ANC party, it’s “ The Party! ”
Powered by FlippingBook