Back-to-School Allergy Planning - What You Need to Know

Ellie Wilson

MS, RDN

Food allergies are a very stressful issue for children and families. Given how diverse our food supply is, and the potential for foods to be ingredients or potential exposure to allergens in kitchens and prep areas means every mouthful is meaningful.

There are nine food allergens identified as having significant prevalence that must be clearly labeled by law. The Food Allergen Labeling and Protection Act [1]was rolled out in 2004 and has been an important tool for those navigating these issues. The original eight allergens are: milk, soy, peanut, fish, shellfish, wheat, (tree) nuts, and eggs, and sesame was added to the federal list in the Spring of 2021.

One of the most common and most concerning is peanut allergy. Sensitivity can range from slight to life-threatening, and the issue may not be on the radar until a frightening health episode. For many with peanut and other severe allergies, it is critical to maintain and carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of accidental exposure. Family, childcare providers, friends, school nurses and teachers should all be trained to read food labels to avoid allergenic foods, understand signs of exposure and have an emergency response plan. To ease this process, Food Allergy Research and Education, a non-profit supporting those with allergies, has an emergency plan resource document.

The Price Chopper/Market 32 Pharmacy Team is conducting an awareness campaign about epinephrine auto-injector management, ask your pharmacist to assist with keeping these vital devices ready if they are needed. Work with your healthcare provider to ensure an emergency plan is in place.

There is some good news – strong research[2] has shown it is possible to avoid developing a peanut allergy.  Infants that show early signs of possible allergy issues, including family history, eczema and egg allergy may be on the road to a peanut allergy as well. If identified early, and coordinated/supervised by an allergist, pediatrician and registered dietitian-nutritionist, it has been shown that peanut allergy development can be mitigated/reduced with very controlled micro-doses (6-7 grams) of peanuts over time, and timing of that intervention is key. Ideally, the process should start when the baby is just starting on foods, at about the 6-month mark. It should NOT be attempted without coordination and supervision of experienced healthcare providers. It is a recent development in allergy prevention and care, discussion of any concerns should occur at one of the first pediatrician visits, so risks can be assessed as soon as possible. Early and medically supervised intervention could offer significant health and quality of life benefits if peanut allergy can be avoided.

Learn more at the links below!

[1] https://www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa

[2] Togias A, Cooper SF, Acebal ML, et al. Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy in the United States: Summary of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-Sponsored Expert Panel. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2017;117(5):788-793.

https://farrp.unl.edu/for-consumers

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More in the Store – Allergen Friendly and Gluten Free Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN  Senior Nutritionist   The annual Capital Region Allergen and Gluten Free Expo (http://www.allergenexpo.com/) will take place on October 21st, on the first floor at Crossgates Mall, from 10 AM to 3 PM, with 50 exhibits and educators sharing their expertise and products. This is a great annual event, and Price Chopper/Market 32 is proud to be a major sponsor. Part of our commitment to support health and wellness, we allergen and gluten free expo 2also sponsor the FARE (Food and Allergy Research and Education, https://www.foodallergy.org/) walk each year at the Crossings in Albany, which just took place in September. We know how challenging navigating allergies and gluten issues can be, so we strive to make it easier to locate those items that will meet your needs in our stores. Twenty-two Capital Region Price Chopper/Market 32 stores, listed below, have a special Allergen Friendly section, typically near the Gluten Free section, bringing solutions together, saving you time and stress. All stores have a Gluten Free aisle and freezer sections, and shelf tags – gluten free options have outgrown the small section of old and are found throughout the stores. Store teammates also want to help you locate items – just ask! Enjoy a great day of education and community at the Expo!   Allergy Friendly product sections can be found at these stores:
Store #

Store Name/Location

 Store # Store Name/Location
#1 Eastern Parkway – Schenectady, NY #138 Market Bistro – Latham, NY
#3 Brunswick – Troy, NY #139 Amsterdam, NY
#38 Glenville – Scotia, NY #140 Pittsfield, MA
#39 Wilton Mall – Saratoga, NY #148 Park Avenue – Worcester, MA
#40 Glen Street – Queensbury, NY #158 Route 50/Ballston Ave – Saratoga, NY
#42 Catskill, NY #159 Bethlehem – Slingerlands, NY
#111 East Greenbush, NY #175 Altamont Ave – Rotterdam, NY
#112 Shopper’s World Plaza – Clifton Park, NY #188 Albany-Shaker Rd – Loudonville, NY
#116 Cobleskill, NY #191 Balltown Rd – Niskayuna, NY
#130 Endicott, NY #196 Glenmont, NY
#133 Westgate Plaza – Albany, NY #246 Chatham, NY
Setting off for school with food allergies can be daunting, but we’re here to help make the transition easy and worry-free! We’d like to share these back to school resources to help you and your student enjoy the school year to the fullest.
  1. Safety Tips


The most important part of sending a food-allergic kid to school – whether for the first time, or the 12th time – is making sure they are equipped with the resources to stay safe: enjoylife2.pngmedication and safe food. Before the school year starts, make teachers, administration, student health and kitchen staff aware of your student’s needs and inquire about any food allergy policies they have in place. In case of an emergency, it’s best to have an action plan prepared so your child will be taken care of.
  1. Lunchbox Ideas


Packing a nutritious, allergy-friendly lunch for your child is an important part of his or her school day. Make your little one’s lunchbox fillers stand out with these helpful tips, tricks and recipes. Check out Enjoy Life Food’s Recipe Page for tons of yummy recipes – both sweet and savory – that will be sure to put a smile on your kid’s face. Here are a few of our favorites: Need help figuring out the best way to “build” your student’s lunchbox? Check out Enjoy Life’s Lunchbox Inspiration Guide!
  1. Lunch-Libs


Use Enjoy Life’s Lunch-Libs template to create a customized message that will be sure to brighten your child’s day. Click here for a downloadable version! With these tips, you’ll be parent-of-the-year for sure. enjoylife1   Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

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