If you serve snacks for Sunday school food allergy is a big concern. It's hard for little ones to regulate their own diets, and parents aren't always present when we're passing out the cookies. Many Sunday school and children's programs are eliminating snack times to avoid aggravating allergies.
Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI compiled two handy lists of snacks that are safe for their children's programs. Download them here and if you haven't already, consider creating a list of safe foods based on the allergies and food sensitivities of children, teens, and adults in your congregation.
Kids with severe allergies may wear wristbands or other identifiers to let adults know that they aren't allowed to eat certain foods. Let volunteers know that it's important to look for these wristbands, and to avoid bringing their own snacks to class unless they check with all the parents first.
One more tip--if there is a coffee hour that includes snacks at your church, send this link to the person who coordinates it. All your efforts to protect kids from allergic reactions will be undone if the coffee table is set with unsafe snacks within reach of young children.
Do you have kids in your program with food allergies? What have you done to make Sunday school and church life safe for them?
