BRAND: Wilmington Schools Will Continue To Improve Efforts To Keep Students With Food Allergies Safe

WILMINGTON, MA — According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), an estimated 5.6 million American children have food allergies.

That’s one in 13 students, or roughly two in every Wilmington classroom.

Wilmington School Superintendent Dr. Glenn Brand recently addressed the School Committee on the district’s food allergy management efforts, acknowledging the district needs to do a better job communicating with staff on this serious matter.

“It seems clear to me that there is an important need for communication,” said Dr. Brand. “This is one of those things that we can improve on an annual basis. This [Wednesday] afternoon, at staff meetings across the district, our nurses and principals took a few moments to remind staff of the respective policies that are in place as it relates to food management allergies.”

Educating students and parents/guardians on the district’s food allergy policies is also a priority.

“This is also an opportunity for us to put together something to share annually with parents and families,” continued Brand. “I do envision I’ll be back to you with a communication tool that I’ll work with Nurse Leader Doreen Crowe to put together. I’m especially thinking about the new family in town that has no experience on how we deal with food allergies. [The tool] will be something simple, but important.”

Brand has personal experience with food allergies in children.

“I know this is something of great concern for those who struggle,” noted Brand. “I put myself in that camp as someone who has dealt with food allergies for my own two children for the past 15 years.”

Brand complimented the strides the district has made over the past few years on the matter, but recognizes there is much more work to do.

“There has been a fair degree of work over the past 3-4 years over establishing some sound protocols and procedures,” said Brand. “We will continue to think carefully around our efforts to prepare and plan for our accommodations for food allergies for students who struggle with this in the district.”

The district’s life-threatening food and other allergy policy and procedures, last updated in the summer of 2015, can be read HERE.

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