Nut Awareness Message from Nurse Kerr

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 any and all foods or snacks that are brought into our school for class parties, class trips, as well as after-school sports, 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. 

As store product and bakery labels change from time to time it is best to read all store products and bakery labels as well as all packaged goods. Here are some party food suggestions and websites for you to refer to:

• The website snacksafely.com has lists of commonly available foods free of peanuts and tree nuts.

• Whole Foods store has a nut-free section of food items such as "Cherry Brook Farms" and "Kinnikinnick Foods" which are also free of the 8 common food allergens.

•  "School Safe" food products are sold locally and come packaged and are nut and dairy free.

• "MadeGood Snacks" are sold in most stores and are free of the most common food allergens. 

• "Enjoy Life" bars, cookies and sweets are also sold locally and are free from 14 food allergens and are 100% natural.

• "Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates" are also sold locally and they have chocolates, baking products, cookies, pretzels, and granola bars. 

Additionally, there are several local bakeries that will provide baked goods that are free of the 8 common food allergies, and I am happy to refer you to them as needed.
 

Anne G. Kerr, RN
RCDS School Nurse