As I mentioned in a “school lunch” post last year, my daughter’s elementary school is peanut/tree nut-free. Not only are peanuts and tree nuts not allowed, but foods made in factories that handle nuts are not allowed either. As a result, the school sends out a “safe snack” list so parents know what store-bought snacks are “safe” and approved.
When I first got a hold of this list last year my eyes just about bugged out of my head. Fresh off our original “100 Days of Real Food” pledge, I felt compelled to sit down and count how many snack suggestions I would consider to be “real food approved.”
Out of the 200 or so safe snack suggestions only 17 items, approximately 7%, were “real” whole foods. The rest were highly processed including suggestions like Wendy’s Frosties, Skittles, Oreos, Fritos, Airheads, Cheese Puffs, Twizzlers, Chips Ahoy, and Gummy Bears (for a morning snack for little kids!!). I knew I couldn’t just sit around and complain. I had to get involved and try to change things.
So I met with the principal and assistant principal last spring and as soon as I said the word “food” they of course thought I wanted to address the food in the cafeteria. They don’t have control over what is served for breakfast or lunch, but I told them that was just fine because I actually had a long list of other things I wanted to address first including…
- The school’s “safe snack” list, which is full of highly processed snack suggestions
- Student rewards and activities, which commonly involve junk food like “Popsicles with the Principal” and “Skittle Sort” (why not a button sort?)
- Students are also commonly served cupcakes, cookies, and other treats for birthdays and celebrations in the classroom. Occasionally even more than one dessert treat a day is served on top of treats that are brought in from home and/or purchased in the cafeteria.
- School fundraising events that encourage students and their families to dine at locations such as Donatos Pizza and Chick-fil-A.
- Box Top class rewards that include a pizza party, Krispy Kreme Donut party, and a cupcake decorating party
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Those are just a few of the observations that alarmed me last year, which was our first year with a child in elementary school. It was also our first school year after deciding to cut out all highly processed food, so I guess one could say I was highly sensitive to it all.
Anyway, I was thrilled that the principal immediately handed me the reins of the “safe snack” list without a problem. I then partnered with another mom to come up with an addendum to the list because while they said we could add items to it we could not take anything away.
They said if Krispy Kreme donuts were not on the list as being nut-free then someone would surely send in Dunkin’ Donuts. But a compromise was fine with me. We can keep all the junk on there if we can also put our “healthy snack” addendum smack dab on the front…because I consider that progress.
So without further ado, here is a link to the “snack list addendum” that another mom and I worked very hard to create. Whether you want to use these snack ideas for your school or just for inspiration when packing your own kids snacks please feel free to use the list however you choose.
I’ve already turned it into our principal and so far she says it looks great. I was a little worried the description of “real food” versus “not real food” might offend some parents, but I figured I would let the principal make that call. We have our back-to-school orientation this week, and I am very anxious to see if they actually use our list with the “safe snack” handouts…keeping my fingers crossed!
Next up I hope to address the issue of all the junk food that’s used for rewards and activities by coming up with a list of alternatives. I will keep you posted on the progress!
courtney says
As I am on my phone, I can not read but will as soon as I get to a computer. My daughter has a milk protien allergy and her preschool is nut free. However, the school does not take in consideration of my daughters allergy. I have to provide a seperate snack for her while the other kids eat cheetos and junk in front of her. I am thinking about trying to create my own "safe snack" list for her preschool and send it to the county. Just so she is included. Thank you for adding "real food" to the list. It makes it easier to pick something more healthy.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Courtney. We're glad the snack list is helpful. Best of luck to you...we hope you see some progress. Jill
andrea says
Wouldn't so much of this be alleviated if parents were responsible for their own child's snacks?? This is what bothers me so greatly about so many schools who do this (ours included!) Not only do some children have nut allergies, but some have gluten sensitivities (in our case), dairy issues, egg allergies, etc. Why are schools still letting other parents feed our children?
Kerry Wise says
This is FANTASTIC! I'm saving this link for when our oldest heads off to school. We have a variety of allergies, as well, so I'm extra sensitive to the JUNK which usually contains allergens for our son.
WAY TO GO!
Ali says
My son was just diagnosed with tree nut and peanut allergies. I was so excited to see your list. I appreciate your hard work and am super impressed by the fact that your school district actuly cares to make the school safe for children with allergies instead of forcing them to sit at a seperate table, which socially isolates them, but still leaves opportunities for accidental contact (as with contact allergies) with children who have nuts in their lunches.
After talking to my allergist I was informed that peanuts are legumes so several of the foods that you listed as real food may not be healthy for children with nut allergies. I am still learning and researching but legumes include peanuts, peas, lentils, beans, chickpeas etc.. I would hate to see someone get sick thinking that some of these foods are safe when they aren't. Thank you again for your hard work though and appreciate a lot of the other options..
Lisa says
The list was created based on the rules that our nut-free school was following at the time. Good luck with your son!
Janelle Marshall says
Thank you for sharing this list. I have two daughters who both have severe allergies and my oldest daughter just started kindergarten. Last year, a child in our school district died because she had a peanut allergy and one of her classmates shared m&m's with her. This really scared me, but I am so thankful that they are taking every measure to prevent this again. Students are no longer allowed to share snacks and for birthdays and special occasions, food is not allowed. It sounds extreme, but if it saves a child's life, extreme is what's needed.
I will be sharing this list with the principal. Your efforts are appreciated!
Kerry Wise says
Janelle - Can you send me more information on where you live and the situation of the child who died? I also have a allergic child and when he is off to school next year would like to address this issue. Thanks!
Monique Moya says
First: While I understand many of the commenters issues with having to go through the steps of nut free; and the disturbance with the school districts that say prepackaged only - coming from the perspective of a mom with a child who has severe food allergies I am grateful for those rules. If my son touches anything containing nuts,tree nuts, eggs or dairy he could die. Period. Its not that he will be "uncomfortable" or "sneeze alot" or something; his throat will close up he will stop breathing and he could die. Nothing to me as far as food goes is worth that. And I know food is visceral to all of us - many of us equate being good moms and dads to being the parent who brings in the cool cupcakes etc. (like we did - or didn't get - from our own parents).
Second: I love your list. Unfortanately I live in an area with no organic stores, the closest trader joe's is over 2 hours away. Our local stores carry VERY limited selections of organic or even low processed foods. So what would be the best way to modify that list for these kinds of areas? fresh fruits is a given, but for other snacks things like hummus etc are hard to find and expensive around here unfortunately!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Monique. I realize we are fortunate to have so many choices near to us. In your example of hummus, you could always consider making it yourself. Here is a recipe...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/04/recipe-traditional-hummus/. Amazon is also another great source...I have been able to purchase a lot of stuff through them. I hope that helps. Jill
Ashton says
Thank you so much for posting this list. We are going through the same thing at our school. However, they have gone to the ridiculous step of saying absolutely no homemade foods for my daughter's preschool class. They don't even want cheese unless it is an individually packaged stick. One, these individual products are expensive, and two, most are junk. I have been sending her carrots and grapes for two weeks now. But, I know that will get old for her. To top it off, she keeps coming home telling me that the teacher passed out crackers, goldfish, or other worthless food. I want to scream sometimes. I also found out from my oldest that they offer ice cream in the cafeteria a couple of days a week! We feel like we can't win.
stephanie says
That is wonderful you got involved to come up with a better list. My son just started preschool and his snack list is full of things like cheese crackers, pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, teddy grahams, etc. So many processed white flour snacks!No candy thankfully and it does have a few real food suggestions however the biggest problem is that snacks must be prepackaged. They allow bananas, clementines, and fruit platters however I don't think fruits or veggies you slice at home are allowed. I'm more concerned that while there are some good options, other parents will choose to bring junk. Also if someone chooses to bring a super sugary snack, it won't be served and they will give the kids goldfish instead. :/ Their intentions are good, however I hate how crackers are viewed by most people as a healthy snack! Any suggestions for changing perceptions on that? The other joy is that they serve juice, milk or water with the snack... how many parents do you think will bring milk or water? If the parents don't bring a drink they serve lemonade.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Stephanie. It's hard I have found to change perceptions. People think they are dong the right thing but don't realize how much further they need to go. I know it's hard...we face the same thing with birthday treats at my kids' school. I would say just try and keep educating people around you...hopefully it will get easier as more people catch on. Best of luck. Jill
TracyKM says
After reading "Wheat Belly" by Dr William Davis, I don't consider whole grain flour to be a 'real' food. It's been so heavily modified without any animal or human testing--except on the last couple generations of humans. Anything made with wheat should not be considered real food anymore. Sad. It's really hard to find wheat free, low sugar, packable snacks that my kids will actually eat. I DO consider "low carb" to be real food because well, cheese is low carb :) Foods in Canada can't be labelled "low carb" anyway. One concern is gluten; a lot of foods that are gluten-free are full of other junky carbs like rice flour.
Susanne says
Oh thank heavens someone feels the same as I do. All nut/peanut products are banned at my kid's school. I don't buy a lot of processed foods and was sending in home made baked goods to have them sent home because they did not have a peanut free symbol on them!!!!! I now write "NO NUTS" in big block letters on everything, and they let my kids eat their food.
Aubrey says
I love your blog and for the most part agree, but I do have an issue with grains in general, but especially on this list: how can you say Triscuits are not processed? Soybean oil? Maltodextrin? Not real food. I suppose this is another discussion for another day, but grains are processed and lose all their nutrients within days. ANy store bought grains are then 'fortified' with a few minerals - again, all very processed, "whole grain" or otherwise...
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Aubrey. Triscuits follow our rule of 5 ingredients or less with only 3 ingredients (of which soybean oil is one, but, not maltodextrin). Jill
ACK says
We are not in the public school setting...my son is four. BUT, I have seen through friends the amount of food in general that is offered as rewards, for celebrations, etc. and it is disturbing. We have been living on non-processed foods for about three years, cooking from scratch and going organic where possible to avoid GMO's and chemicals. I understand the school's need to offer a list of safe foods, especially if there are food allergic kiddos attending. Safety first. There seems to be a mental block though to the obvious and naturally safe WHOLE foods. No label reading required! By the way, did you check with all of those companies about peanut and nut cross contamination? That's a long list! I know I checked w/ Eden dried fruits a couple of years back and they were processed around nuts. Common w/ dried fruits, apparently.
Julie says
I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful this list is! I have a 3year old with a PN and TN allergy. Every list I can find online is horrible! Love this! And it gives me so many new ideas for healthier snacks for home.
Molly says
Ironic that healthy natural foods are banned but sugar laden fruit leather is okay.
Megan says
I noticed that you mention hummus but not Sabra's roasted pine nut. Is that just because of the nut allergies? My husband and I are trying to cut out processed foods and that's our favorite flavor! I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something else wrong with it!
100 Days of Real Food says
You are exactly right...the only reason is because pine nuts aren't allowed at a tree-nut free school.
tmni says
Pine-nuts are seeds not nuts.
Marina says
Pine nuts may be seeds, but they are still a major concern for some. My nephew is allergic to most nuts and has had his throat close when he ate hummus with pine nuts and tahini(sesame paste). He got tested and is indeed highly allergic. so whether its a nut or a seed ita an allergen.
katie says
Hi - I am wondering if any of you have tackled the rule of only bringing in store bought foods? Our district has this rule. I have mixed feelings on this. I am trying to figure out what I can bring that is not processed but store bought (other than fruit). But also respect their rules. My daughter does have allergies and if someone that was not familiar with allergies may make a cookie that they think does have not but really could have a residue of nuts or the casein in milk. Not that they are trying to do harm, just they don't understand what all could cause a reaction.
100 Days of Real Food says
That is a tough one...we don't deal with allergies therefore I would not like that rule. I can see both sides though. How about everyone just provide their own child's food. I honestly think that is the best solution. No reason for the whole class to have a cupcake every single time it's someone's birthday anyway. Kids usually have parties outside of school where they can do that on their own...
Lauren says
Love this list! But, I will note that my daughter has a peanut allergy and through her diagnosis we have learned a lot of things I was surprised about. (She is now officially tested and we know she is only allergic to peanuts.) But, after her first reaction at 18 months (by accidentally touching her brother's PBJ) we met with the allergist that told us that a peanut/nut free diet is much broader than I could have even thought. They said that nuts are in the same family as a lot of seeds/beans and should also be avoided by patients with a high severity - such as the sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and even soy beans. So, while I am lucky and we only have to worry about nuts - it might be a good idea to run this list past an allergist. But, I absolutely LOVE this list!
Aimee Rose says
Hi again- I do want to say I commend you for tackling this problem. I face the same things at my daughter's school. It's so frustrating the junk they feed to my kid and call a "snack". We also have the problem of food rewards. I was wondering if you confronted your school about this and how it went for you. Thanks.
100 Days of Real Food says
Thank you! I did share the new list with the principal, and they did make some updates to their list as a result.
Aimee Rose says
Great list with a few exceptions. Things like "fruit leather" are not healthy despite being 100% fruit and/or organic. They are concentrated fruit juice and therefore just as bad as sugar and processed by our body in the same manner. Whole fruit is fine, concentrated fruit and fruit juice is not. Additionally, fruit leathers are super sticky and stick to teeth creating a haven for cavities.
100 Days of Real Food says
I agree with you, which is why "fruit leathers" are a treat at our house but since some parents currently send in fruit roll ups with artificial colors (or even donuts in some cases) the natural fruit leathers are at least a step in the right direction. Some people are only willing to go so far, which in all honesty is better than nothing!
Jesi says
Thank you so much for sharing this!! WONDERFUL! I am interested to see your progress and other ideas that you have come up with!
megan says
Has an update been posted about what's happened since you submitted it?
100 Days of Real Food says
No not a formal one yet...
Elizabeth Williams says
I am a PTA president and am also concerned about food in the school Can I download your PDF and share it on my PTA's FB feed? I'll be sure to credit your blog.
100 Days of Real Food says
Of course!! Please download and share away...also be sure to check out this list as well: "Student rewards...that aren't junk food" https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/31/student-rewards%E2%80%A6that-aren%E2%80%99t-junk-food/
Elizabeth Williams says
FANTASTIC! Thank you so, so, so much! I'm not president for much longer, but will still be involved. Maybe when I'm no longer the president I can start an effort to encourage better food choices!
Hellen Hill says
A few months ago we went TOTALLY natural, completely thanks to your website! So about 2 weeks ago, during a conference, my sons 5th grade teacher said that Tyler had asked her to speak to me about something...of course, I was very concerned! She went on to say, with a smile on her face, that my son had asked her to tell me that he needed better snacks for school! All the kids were eating Doritos and Cheese doodles, and he had to sit there and eat Larabars and tangerines! So I had to revisit your snack section and find some new and exciting snacks....thanks for all the effort you put into this...my son really appreciates it! :-)
PML says
Hey I just found your blog and I wish I had time to read it all. My daughter's school has had a great turn-around from last year as far as snacks are concerned. One thing they did was incorporate a monthly birthday celebration. On the last school day of the month they celebrate everyone's birthday and that is the only day of the month any junk is brought to the classroom. But even then, they have had a few months where no junk was brought at all. My daughter brought a gift bag for her class full of fun toys and pencils, etc. That month they only got a tiny cupcake and glass of water for the party. Success!
Babster says
Lisa,
Thanks for your list. I must confess that because of my son's allergies, I do indulge him when it comes to candy and treats that he can actually eat.
I am amazed by the number of parents who resist the peanut/tree nut ban in school. I urge all your readers to see the open letter posted on SnackSafely.com entitled "Why Your Child Can’t Bring Peanut Butter to School (and What You Can Do About It)". It frames the issue for parents of non-allergic children in a non-confrontational manner and provides a strategy for transitioning a child from peanut butter to safer alternatives. I've sent it to every parent of children in my son's class and it has gone viral in our school district. You can find it here: http://snacksafely.com/2011/11/why-your-child-cant-bring-peanut-butter-to-school/
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Jaelithe says
As a professional real food advocate (I mean, seriously -- I get paid to write about food policy), I would really like to approve of this list. As a mother of a child with a peanut allergy, I have to agree with some of the others who left comments questioning whether the foods you listed are truly nut-safe. Did you really read the ingredients on every one of those packaged items listed? Did you call the manufacturers or check their ingredient statements online? Fruit bars, granola bars, and packaged seeds are often not peanut-safe. I have found Trader Joe's to be, sadly, particularly bad as a source of peanut-free foods -- they even make a sunflower seed butter that says MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS on the label, which is pretty ridiculous considering that sunflower seed butter mostly exists to replace peanut butter for people with peanut allergies.
If you did carefully vet this list, then you have my kudos and my thanks. But please do remember: while junk food, eaten often, could seriously harm your kid's health over a lifetime, food contaminated with peanuts could KILL my child in under ten minutes. So please forgive us parents of kids with allergies for constantly putting our own kids' food needs ahead of others' food desires.
100 Days of Real Food says
The other mom and I personally checked the packages of every single item on this list. We not only looked to see if the item didn't contain nuts, but also if it was made in a nut-free factory. We were very careful with our research, but with that being said we are human and an error could certainly be possible. We did hand check every single package though with the guidelines you mentioned in mind.
Thanks for your comment!
Anna says
I am a whole foods mom and I've printed this list and am taking it to my children's parents day out program TOMORROW. This is the most comprehensive list I've found. Just fantastic, thank you!
Ramona says
I am just getting my family started on this- and trying to get the grandparents involved too- boy is that going to be hard when they go over there. But, I am sending both of my kids to a private school for preschool and pre-K and the school forces us to have them provide lunch. White bread, canned fruit and veggies, and snack time is again oreos, white flour crackers, and the like.
I am not sure how to change this culture because this is the way they have been doing it for over 30 years- but something has to give.
Any advice on how to approach this subject to the administration. We love the school but the food options stink!
100 Days of Real Food says
I just approached our principal and started out by saying how much we loved the school and our teacher and then went on to share my feelings about the food. I don't think anyone in school administration should be surprised to get this feedback with all the media coverage about it, etc. I also brought a handout I created that had documented examples of things I'd noticed. I think once you see it all together on one page it makes it easier to see the issues.
Carise says
The difference between our AMAZING country and Europe (Switzerland in specific) is that we can choose for ourselves. Everything in Europe is mandated, even right down to telling you what you are allowed, as a parent, to bring for snack for your own child. If a parent wants to give their child cookies, it's their own right! I don't agree with unhealthy food choices, but I don't think every parent out there should be forced to conform to MY personal preferences. Let's remember that we are BLESSED to still (for the most part) be able to decide for ourselves and our own children, and make choices based on our personal beliefs for them, not someone else's belief.
Jacquie says
This is wonderful Lisa! You give moms (& dads) hope and encouragement. I did wonder if you had thought of putting a caveat on popcorn? I think there can be a risk of choking for younger kids, even those in school, depending on their size and dexterity.
100 Days of Real Food says
I didn't since this list is meant for my daughter's elementary school (ages 5 and up). Probably a good idea for preschools though.
Courtney says
I love the list! I am wondering about the Post Shredded Wheat cereal that you have listed. The ingredient list says the packaging is sprayed with BHT for freshness. This is on a list of chemicals I understand are to be avoided. What is your opinion?
100 Days of Real Food says
You can buy alternative brands that don't have BHT. I think the Earth Fare Shredded wheat doesn't have it in there. Whole-grain shredded wheat with BHT is probably better than a Little Debbie Snack though :)
Becky says
THANK YOU for this!!! My own children are allergic to tree and peanut so I do applaud your school for their stance! It's a bit stressful as a mother when your children are out of your control! :) I really appreciate your snack list, getting snacks are the hardest part of eating healthy and this is a great reference!!!
Jamie says
This came at just the right time for me, we just had our "meet the teacher" for our daughters Kindergarden and we were told that each parent will be assigned 2 weeks of snacks for the whole class - the examples the teacher showed us were sugary granola bars, cookies & processed fruit snacks and the teachers opinion was "as long as they eat I don't care what it is" well I CARE what my daughter eats. While I can't control what the other parents bring in I will be passing the list along to the teacher with a note on our family's eating philosophy and making sure my snacks are healthy. If I see that other parents are bringing in a lot of junk I will ask if I can just send my own snack for my daughter.
Laura says
when my daughter was young I tried to keep her off as much junk food as possible. I got a small dehydrator and dried fruit. I even found a store who let me have the loose seedless grapes if I picked them up from the display. They made beautiful plump raisins. The neighborhood kids would always be asking for the kind of "candy" I had in my candydish. Dried apples and peaches were the favorites. I also made my own fruit pops, too. Again, peaches were a favorite. I would drop fresh peaches (usually the seconds) and pour them into popcicle molds or use bathroom cups with a small plastic spoon placed in each cup. Before freezing them I would drop in a few blueberries or raspberries. It was fun to mix and match and be creative.
Tracie says
Good for you! I'm a chef at a private pre-school and everyday the administration wants me to make it "easier" "cheaper" "more things the kids LIKE" (showing their inability to allow the children to try new things and have an experience). I'm angry on a daily basis and I'm proud of you for going to the school and making a difference. I have my sights on the treat contingent of my son's elementary school this year. I will not allow all sweet treats and juice for a school party. Last year my son threw up all the way home from his class Halloween party because all they gave the kids was sugar, topped with sugar, washed down with sugar. It was disgusting! Baby steps and we can make a difference!!!
Lorraine says
1. For birthday party treats - how about a BOOK - given by the birthday child to the class to keep. On his birthday, he "reads" the book to the class and it becomes his gift to the class library with a bookplate identifying the birthday child.
2. For brithday treats for the students - how about a Non-Food treat - like a cute pencil, or stickers or a small box of play dough from the Dollar store?
3. Ask teachers to declare a "SUGAR-FREE CLASSROOM" for the entire school year. I visited a school and that sign was on the outside of the door.
Wendy Brock says
I love your ideas, Lorraine!
Wendy says
I agree with the fact that I don't really think the kids, especially the older ones, need to take a snack. I feedT my 5th grader a healthy breakfast at 7:45am...I don't think he needs a snack at 9:30. However, to make sure he doesn't eat anything else, I send a snack with him. Thankfully, he loves fruit, so it is usually apples or grapes. I am disturbed that for my new kindergartener, you take turns taking snacks for the whole class. There is also a nut allergy (and no suggestions provided) so I am thrilled to find this list. I would really much, much prefer that I was able to just send in my child's snack. Thank you for the list!!
Shari says
I love your list! My problem is our school requires that any items brought in MUST be individually packaged - and must be purchased that way. I asked if a bunch of grapes counted as "individually packaged" and was told "NO, because someone would have to break them into smaller portions & remove the stems. It must be individually packaged & ready to eat out of the package with no further processing needed." OUCH! Individual servings of baby carrots or individual packages of sliced apples - yes. It becomes a bit cost prohibitive to provide the healthy snacks as opposed to the processed packaged snacks. As my child has several life-threatening allergies - I have to send his own snacks anyway! It is certainly frustrating battling the school system. I sure hope that they use your addendum!!
Erin Girard says
LOVE! LOVE! This blog and this post! My twin daughters are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts as well as sesame seeds. We try to do as much as we can organic and love the menus from The Fresh 20! I love that my girls pick the veggies from our garden. I have gotten a lot of flack for not giving my girls sugar or processed food but I know that it is not good for them. This last year I started as a rep for a natural food company because of our eating style.