Gluten Free Eaters Not Welcome at the Party

The above photo is from a Super Bowl commercial a few years ago, which made fun of those who need to eat gluten free. Luckily, the ad was pulled relatively quickly, but the damage had been done. Seen by adults and children, it reinforced society’s perception that we’re “difficult.”

Children as Targets of Food Allergy Bullying

As I watched this ad, my mind thought of the more than 5 million kids in our country living with food allergies. Did you know a third of them, almost 2 million children, experience harassment every year because they have a dietary restriction?

Others taunt, threat, harass and ostracize these children because their bodies perceive food as a threat. Because the physical reaction is so serious, food allergies and Celiac Disease qualify as a disability, protected by law.

But It’s Just a Joke….

I see people comment this all the time. They say “no one would do this in real life.” However, there are plenty of stories where people HAVE done just that.

• Restaurant Owner Sent to Jail Over Food Allergy Negligence
• Family wins $200,000 Lawsuit Against Restaurant who Neglectfully Fed Her Allergen
• High School Football Player Changes Schools After Peanut Allergy Harassment
• College Student Pleads Guilty in Smearing Peanut Butter on Allergic Student
• Teen Charged with Assault After Attacking Teen with Food Allergen
• Three Teens Charged with Assault After Attacking Classmate with Pineapple Allergy
• London Child with Dairy Allergy Dies After Classmates Taunt Him with Cheese

I want people to remember that there 20 MILLION people in the US live with food allergies. While you may not have a family member who lives with a food allergen, it’s possible that a friend of yours does. Making rude jokes about this topic shows you’re not a safe space for their family.

Also, a reminder that your kids are watching and hearing the content you consume on social media. You may hear a joke like this and not say anything. But children, whose brains aren’t fully formed and don’t understand certain consequences, are watching. If you think it’s funny, it’s more likely they’ll treat another kid this way.

DYK Celiac Disease Is Covered Under Disability Law

Think that’s a stretch? Not really. A disability is defined as “physical or mental issue that seriously limits one or more major life activities.” When you have a peanut allergy and its presence affects your ability to breathe, I’d say that limits a major life activity.

Celiac Disease is considered one as well. When consuming gluten can affect your mental status, your hormone and nutrient levels, that is definitely a limit to daily function. Not to mention being able to go a day without constantly being on a toilet, it affects being able to hold down a job, etc.

Food Allergy Bullying is Not as Rare as you Think

When I first heard of food allergy bullying, I imagined it had to be rare. How could anyone do such a thing? To this day, I’m still affected by the story of Eleanor Garrow’s son, which I read in 2013 in Gluten Free and More Magazine.

Her son, who has a peanut allergy, was attacked by another child and intentionally smeared with peanut butter. This could have been a deadly experience. Per the article, he struggled emotionally for quite a while due to that abuse.

FARE, short for Food Allergy Research and Education, reported that “about one-third of kids with food allergies report that they have been bullied because of their allergies.” In a “2010 study by doctors at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 21% of kids reported being bullied by a teacher or other school staff.”

Sadly, it’s not just kids that are the perpetrators of food allergy bullying. There are stories of parents of non-allergic kids threatening to coat the backpack of child with their deadly allergy. In another story, a parent encouraged their child to walk down the hall, smearing peanut butter on the walls, after the school declared themselves to be a peanut-free zone.

Adults Are Not Immune from Being Bullied about Their Dietary Restrictions

Adults are not immune from these threats either. A young woman with Celiac Disease shared in a Facebook group that her “friends” retaliated against her by covering her car and property in wheat flour. I can’t even fathom someone doing this.

And of course, those of us with Celiac Disease have recently been the topic of jokes in the entertainment industry. It has all added to the growing lack of compassion for those with food intolerances.

What can we do to turn the tide? How do we stop bullying and grow compassion about the issue of food allergy bullying?

4 Things You Can Do to Help Counteract Food Allergy Bullying

Grow Awareness of Food Allergy Bullying

First we should start by explaining how serious food allergies and Celiac Disease are. FARE has created a PSA that can be shown on television and in schools. It’s also important to train teachers how to address the issue appropriately. Sometimes teachers use words to address why certain foods are not allowed in a classroom that actually increase the possibility of bullying. This article from FAACT also includes resources.

Convince Children to Tell You When it Happens

Food allergy bullying doesn’t get much attention because children are afraid to speak up. They fear if they address the issue it will draw attention to themselves or make the bullies angry. However, the only way to fix the situation is for your student to tell you. Constantly communicate with your child about how things are going. If they suddenly seem disinterested in school, this may be part of the reason why.

Stand Up For One Another – Get a Buddy

Many times the “positive” light in food allergy bullying stories is when a friend stood up for a food allergic child. Like in Charlotte’s story, having a friend keep an eye on their lunch box if they get up to use the bathroom can make a huge different. Standing up for one another also applies to us as adults. We need to be willing to “set others parents straight” when their speech can encourage misunderstandings or taking food allergies flippantly.

Know Your Rights

Your child qualifies for a 504 plan, as food allergies and Celiac Disease are covered as a disability,. A 504 plan is a binding legal document between parents and the school. It outlines how your child will be protected while at school.

What About Legal Representation?

Personally, I’m not usually one to seek out financial compensation. However, some acts are especially egregious, and legal representation may be needed.

I am a huge fan of Mary Vargas of Stein & Vargas. She’s handled large cases, and their offices are in DC and Maryland. Notably, she represented the child at Williamsburg, who faced discrimination because of his Celiac Disease. Buckfire Law in Michigan represents clients with Food Allergy claims.

As time goes by, it seems that society gets uglier and uglier. The greatest chance we have to make a positive change is to spread awareness and foster compassion. People pick on those that they feel are weaker. Let’s show them that we’re stronger, together.

Have you or your child been the victim of food allergy bullying? How have you handled the situation? Please share your strategies below so we can help each other.

Originally Published January 2017

The post Food Allergy Bullying and How to Stop It appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

These gluten free playdough brands are perfect for classroom use. In fact, you can list it as a required accommodation under a student’s Section 504 plan.

Store Bought Gluten Free Playdough

Aroma Dough Gluten Free Modeling Dough

A parent messaged me, asking about gluten free playdough products. Moms & dads who follow our Gluten Free Michigan Kids Camp Facebook page quickly recommended Aroma Dough. They offer scented and unscented doughs, all which contain none of the top 8 allergens. Created by a California mother whose child has Celiac Disease, it sounds like a great small business.

How to Order – Directly from Aroma Dough website

Colorations Wheat & Gluten Free Dough

Colorations produces both a wheat based and a  wheat & gluten free play dough. The gluten free playdough “does not contain peanuts / tree nuts, dairy, casein or egg. Additinally it does not contain corn starch, or latex.” Made in Great Britain, it comes in a 5 1/2 lb container, of 8 colors.

How to order – Amazon and Discount School Supply

Crayola Model Magic

Quite a few parents, including Jereann from Celiac Mama, stated they purchase Model Magic for their kids. Please don’t confuse this with the Crayola dough, which DOES contain gluten. Crayola does state that they produce Model Magic and their dough on the same machinery, but clean machines between each run. Made in the USA.

How to Order – Amazon, Target, and Michael’s

Whoa Dough

A good friend shared this product with me, available at Target. Whoa Dough looks a bit stretchier than Play Doh, more like a soft putty. All 8 colors come in one resealable package, making them easier to find and put away. Whoa Dough is also Peanut Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, and Milk Free. It is made in China.

**PLEASE see note in the comments below. Some parents do not recommend this product.

Where to order – Target

Kinetic Sand

My friend Joy shared about this product, stating her daughter loved it. Fellow blogger Brianna Wolin, who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at a young age, stated she played with magic sand and liked it much more than Play Doh. The Spin Master Kinetic Sand brand states their product “easily cleans up and is wheat, gluten and casein free.” Made in Sweden.

How to order – Amazon and Michael’s

Mad Mattr

One mom shared that her children loved Mad Mattr. She also stated “The small packages are perfect for school and they don’t dry out!”  Websites state this product is wheat, gluten and casein free, and does not dry out like PlayDoh. A reply to a question on Amazon stated it contains no soy. Another statement said this product is similar to Magic Sand. Made in Sweden.

How to order – Amazon and School Specialty

MODO Simply Gluten Free Dough

“MODO is more than just dough — each box features three vibrantly colored gluten-free doughs. They are stored in sturdy reusable 6-oz containers with lids, with the added play features of plastic textured stamping bands with four patterns each and a wooden sculpting tool.

MODO encourages parent/child bonding through simple exploration and play, focusing on tactile learning and development. MODO’s vibrantly-colored formula is made with simple non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free ingredients. MODO’s vibrant colors, clean scents, and cool tools will inspire young minds to create. Squish, play, learn, repeat.”

*Note- MODO makes gluten free and non-gluten free doughs. Make sure to look for the package that says gluten free.

How to order – Rainbow Resource Center

Homemade Gluten Free Playdough Recipes

Of course, one can also make their own homemade gluten free playdough. Many recipes exist on the internet, but I’m listing a few to give you some ideas.

• Gluten Free Playdough Recipe from Eat at Our Table
• Grain Free and Gluten Free Playdough Recipe from Against All Grain
• Allergy Free Playdough Recipes from AAAAI
• 2 Ingredient Silky Smooth Playdough from Our Best Bites
• Edible Gluten Free No Cook Playdough from Fun at Home with Kids

Other Back to School Resources

Please know that Play Doh brand is not the only school product that may contain wheat or gluten. I find this list of Potential Food Allergens in Craft Supplies from Kids with Food Allergies to be very helpful. Celiac Mama also created a list of Art Supplies that Contain Gluten.

Of course, we also need to work about snacks and cross contact in the classroom. I love these Top 8 Allergen Free Snacks.

What Back to School Resources are you looking for? Leave a comment below, and I’ll try to help you find it! 

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made through those links, help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

First Published August 2020

The post Gluten Free Playdough Brands appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Helping Teachers Learn About Keeping a Nut Free Classroom

Most of my blog focuses on educating individuals and families about Celiac Disease. With a degree in Elementary Education, teaching comes naturally to me. Sometimes, this involves teaching my fellow educators as well. Today, I deviate a bit from my gluten-free guidance to discuss maintaining a peanut free classroom. With some training, we can make this process smoother for educators and parents alike.

1 in 13 Children Live with a Food Allergy

Educators have to be a jack-of-all-trades these days. Educator. Counselor. Sometimes we supply basic needs like socks and food. Because we do so much for our students, we constantly educate ourselves on new methods. We should also be educating ourselves about food allergies. One in 13 children live with some type of food allergy, so preparation on this issue is important.

Food Allergy Training for Teachers

Working hard to maintain a food-allergy or peanut-free classroom becomes “easier” when you realize the risk at hand. Educators (and all school personnel) should learn the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, as well as how to administer epinephrine in case of emergency.

FARE, the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, has a website full of resources for educators. This includes free online training. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team also offers training for school personnel. In addition, the CDC offers guidelines on their Food Allergy Toolkit for schools.

Sunbutter as a Peanut Butter Alternative

America lives on peanut butter. From PB& J to peanut butter cups, Americans consume more peanut butter than probably any other country.

Insert SunButter, which is made from ground sunflower seeds. It is an excellent replacement for snacks in any peanut-free classroom. Not only is it peanut-free, it’s free from the 9 most common allergens, which comprise 90% of food allergies.

SunButter also contains less fat and twice as much fiber as peanut butter, however still contains the same amount of protein. SunButter even has a food service section to their website, so school cafeterias can use their product while maintaining federal nutrition guidelines.

Other Peanut Butter Alternatives

Other nut free spread options include WowButter (made from soy beans) and 88 Acres. 88 Acres products are made from sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Food Allergy Bullying Awareness

The words we use to address food allergy situations are key. When we say “We can’t have (insert food here) because Johnny’s allergy requires us to keep a peanut-free classroom,” it may trigger food allergy bullying.

While this statement may indeed be factual, placing “blame” on Johnny may cause students to harbor ill feelings towards him. Upwards of 2 million children with food allergies experience bullying every year.

When having classroom parties, try to focus on foods that are free of the 9 most common allergens. (I share a list, here.) These include fruit cups, popcorn, or celery with SunButter. For a list of other peanut and tree nut free suggestions, visit the SnackSafely website.

Challenge: Eat Peanut Free for One Week

My husband’s school district made a bold move. They required all teachers to maintain a peanut-free classroom. (The district allows peanuts in the middle school and high school cafeteria.) It posed an interesting challenge as I daily packed my husband’s lunch. I’ve made a concerted effort to never pack foods containing nuts in his lunch.

I pack things like the Buddha Bowl pictured above, which uses a satay sauce made with SunButter.  I would encourage educators everywhere to eat peanut-free at school, even if just for a week. It truly creates an awareness of what your students might be experiencing. I use sunflower seeds instead of nuts in his trail mix, make SunButter and jelly sandwiches, and even make Asian food dishes using SunButter in a satay sauce.

Classroom Communication and 504 Plans

In spite of global social media connection, humans still struggle with true communication. Creating a peanut-free classroom takes communication from both teachers and parents. Parents should meet with the teacher at the beginning of the year to outline their student’s needs. Composing a letter to send home to other parents in the room helps as well.

I highly recommend having a 504 plan on file. This puts all concerns in writing so both sides know what to expect. Teachers can be proactive in telling parents about upcoming activities that include peanuts, so parents can bring alternatives to school. As a substitute teacher, I always appreciate communication about children who have food allergy issues.

Are you a teacher that maintains a peanut-free classroom? What tips would you share with fellow educators about keeping kids with food allergies safe? Does your child have a peanut allergy? What would you want their teacher to know? And if you have any SunButter recipes you love, please share them with me!

*This post was sponsored by SunButter. However my thoughts and passion for the safety of all with food allergies and intolerances are completely my own.*

Originally Posted March 2017

The post Helping Educators Keep a Peanut Free Classroom appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.