Committee comprised of parents and school representatives
forms to develop food allergy plan

August 26, 2008 – Food allergies can cause a myriad of symptoms, such as hives, difficulty breathing, heart failure or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

As the number of students identified with food allergies grows, so too does the need for a district-wide food allergy plan to ensure that all students are protected and remain safe.

Currently, the Voorheesville Central School District does not have a policy to address this growing health concern.

To begin the process of developing procedures and policies relevant to food allergens in schools, the district’s administration and Board of Education sought input from the community on a draft food allergy plan they developed in June 2008. They received so much input that they decided to form a Food Allergy Plan Committee to revise the plan.

“We wanted input from everyone,” said outgoing Superintendent Linda Langevin. “This is an extremely sensitive issue, and we felt it was extremely important to have representation from all sides.”

The committee initially met in August, and included more than 25 members, such as parents, school representatives and board members. It also includes school physicians, representatives from the Capital Region BOCES Health/Safety/Risk Management Service and legal counsel.

So far, the committee has met twice, and plans to meet again on August 27, as well as several times in October. Its goal is to present a finalized food allergy plan to the Voorheesville Board of Education by the end of October.

The committee has taken advantage of state, national and local district documents, such as the New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Education and New York Statewide School Health Services Center collaborative resource document. The report was released this summer and has become an invaluable resource, providing guidelines and procedures regarding anaphylaxis.

Just as obesity is a health risk to children, so too are food allergies. The district’s wellness policy was adopted to support, protect and promote students’ health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.

“It is our responsibility to provide students with a safe and healthy school environment, and that includes offering a balanced approach to food allergens,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Raymond Colucciello, who is set to begin his new duties on September 1.

To that end, this may include barring vulnerable children from certain areas, and providing them with an allergy-free area. These rooms would be labeled to inform visitors that specific allergens are not allowed (e.g. this is a peanut free room).

In addition to developing the plan, the committee plans to provide educational materials and presentations to staff members throughout the year, as well as provide parents and community members with relevant information.

On September 5, BOCES Safety Specialist Kristen Bucciferro is scheduled to speak to district staff during opening day about the risks associated with food allergens in schools. She will also review the common allergens, anaphylaxis guidelines, common reactions to allergens and provide an overview of the components of an allergen plan.

As more detailed information becomes available it will be posted on the district Web site, e-mailed through School News Notifier and mailed home to parents and community members.

If you have specific concerns or questions you would like to have addressed, please contact your school principal or nurse.