Nut Awareness Message from Nurse Delaney

RCDS is a "Nut Aware" School. That means that our faculty, staff, parents, and students have accepted the responsibility to make ourselves as aware and educated as possible in providing nut-free foods.

This applies to all foods or snacks that are brought into our school for class parties, class trips, as well as after-school sports/activities, remaining nut-free. That includes labels that state, "may have nut cross-contamination" or "made in a facility that processes nuts". Please do not bring in any store-packaged or bakery foods that do not have an ingredient label. They will be sent home.

One of the most common foods brought into school parties that are continually being sent back home is Dunkin Donuts. DUNKIN DONUT PRODUCTS ARE NOT ALLOWED at any RCDS function. The Dunkin Donuts Corporate website very clearly states that ANY of their products may contain peanuts, so RCDS will not allow them to be brought into school.

Please also reach out to your students' classroom teacher or the school nurse to check for other allergies in the class before bringing in treats for class parties.

• 9 Common Food Allergies: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Milk, Eggs, Soy, Wheat, Shellfish, Fish, Sesame
• The website snacksafely.com has lists of commonly available foods free of peanuts and tree nuts as well as other allergens.
• Link to safe snacks: https://snacksafely.com/guide/peanut-treenut-free.pdf

Additionally, there are several local bakeries that will provide baked goods that are free of common food allergies, and I am happy to refer you to them as needed.

Thank you for your cooperation and support, and please reach out with any questions.

Colleen Delaney, R.N.
RCDS School Nurse