Back to School with Food Allergies

First published July 2016
Updated September 2025

Preparing to go back to school can be filled with mixed emotions for parents of a child with food allergy. This time of year can be particularly anxiety-provoking for parents of kindergartners or those attending a new school. Becoming familiar with the school’s food allergy policies and speaking with the school nurse can help set your mind at ease.

Communication with the school is vital. Let the school know about your child’s allergy and provide a Food Allergy Action Plan. This plan should detail your child’s allergies, when to treat a reaction, which medication(s) to use, and emergency contacts. It is generally signed by your child’s allergist.

Teach your child how to self-manage their allergies, appropriate to their level of understanding. This includes knowing what they are allergic to and knowing to tell an adult if they think an accidental ingestion has occurred. Discourage food sharing or eating anything that contains known allergens or unknown ingredients. Consider a medic alert bracelet for your child to help remind others of the allergy.

Make sure that life-saving medication will be easily available when needed. In addition, be aware of the procedure for administering medication at school and make sure that school staff has been adequately trained. Most schools are now authorized to stock epinephrine for use on any child with a life-threatening allergic reaction, but legislation varies by state. Regardless of your school’s policy, it is best to provide epinephrine autoinjectors prescribed specifically for your child. If old enough to self-administer, provide written notice, allowing your child to carry their medication with them.

Ask about the school’s food allergy policies regarding classroom snacks, lunch tables, and food bullying. The decision about whether to have your child at a special lunch table for those with food allergies is very personal and should be based on your family’s comfort level. Many children with food allergies do not need to sit at an allergen-free table so talk to your child’s allergist if you are unsure what is best for your child.

Relax and enjoy your child’s new independence. Sending your child to school can be scary but know you have been preparing your child for this since he was first diagnosed. When families, schools and doctors work together, children with food allergies thrive at school.