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BVSD Food Services' comprehensive plan for addressing food allergies

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food services staff
BVSD Food Services' comprehensive plan for addressing food allergies
Marissa Benson


With more students experiencing food allergies than ever before, our BVSD Food Services team takes comprehensive steps to create a safe and inclusive dining experience for all. Children can be allergic to any food, but about 90% of reactions in kids come from the “big 9” allergens:

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Tree nuts (such as walnuts and cashews)
  • Fish
  • Shellfish (such as shrimp)
  • Sesame

To reduce risk, BVSD Food Services has eliminated tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish and sesame from all foods.

For students with other food allergies, a comprehensive and layered approach is utilized. Each kitchen team has a confidential binder containing up-to-date allergen information for every student. Before meal service each day, school kitchens hold a team huddle to review allergens present in meals and identify the students affected.

In addition, Food Services staff often partners directly with families to learn about their child’s needs and develop a personalized plan for each six-week menu cycle, working closely with the school health para or nurse to ensure alignment.

Training is another cornerstone of our program. At professional development days, every site team receives thorough instruction on food safety, allergens, and preventing cross contamination. Food Services works closely with BVSD school nurses on food allergens, sensitivities, and intolerances including guidance on supporting students with allergies.

Daily alternatives and gluten-free options, salad bar

We offer a dairy-free and a gluten-free option for hot lunch every day. These items are labeled on the printed calendar menu with a small “GF” for gluten-free, or “DF” for dairy-free. Each individual item is labeled on the printed menu to allow families to differentiate between items that do and do not contain gluten or dairy.

The salad bar is also entirely gluten-free every day in every school, including all dressings and composed salads. Students can always take advantage of a gluten-free salad bar meal alongside a gluten-free bread or tortilla.

Nutrition & allergens resources

Food Services has created extensive lists of the top 9 allergens for all breakfast, lunch and snack menu items (see below). If your child has a severe or life-threatening allergy, you should also notify the nurse or health office at your student’s school.

We want families to feel empowered and educated on the meal options for their students with food allergies. On our nutrition and allergens webpage we include links to the allergens in our breakfast, lunch, snack and supper meals. You’ll also find lists of items that contain pork or beef, and those that are egg-free. Detailed nutrition information is available for all items served by the School Food Project, as well as lists of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. Families are also encouraged to sign up for the Allergen Alert email list, which provides updates about menu items and any ingredient changes.
 

Allergens

Nutrition Information

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Vegan

Visit the Nutrition & Allergen webpage

By combining proactive planning, clear communication, and rigorous training, BVSD Food Services is committed to continually improving practices to keep students with food allergies safe while ensuring they can fully participate in our meal program.

Have feedback for the food services team? Email food.services@bvsd.org. Find more resources about food allergies on the School Food Project Resources webpage.