Food Allergies and School Policy


The following article has appeared before in the Suite. I have decided to run it as is because it opens up the door for a discussion about food, school, allergies and food bans.

Food, I love to eat. I have a number of favourite foods and a number of comfort foods which I turn to when I need a lift. In fact, we all have our favourite foods, comfort food, s that we turn to in times of stress or sorrow. Foods we eat simply because we love the taste and texture.

For me, it is peanut butter, especially, when it is spread thick on seven-grain bread. I also enjoy peanut butter and banana sandwiches, pb and jelly, pb and tomato and pb and cheese. All give me a sense of satisfaction and well-being. This is one food that I do tend to overindulge in and, while delicious, peanut butter can add considerable calories and fat to your diet.

Since I first wrote In Praise of Peanut Butter, for the Suite, back in 1998, there have been a few changes in my life. One is the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. This does not mean that I can't enjoy this food anymore.

This does mean that eating as much of it as I used to is not wise. I need to reduce my peanut butter consumption. While it is a wonderful food. It is a not a perfect one.

There are a number of ways to use peanut butter in your meal planning. For the people who like a little adventure, I suggest experimenting with sandwiches.

Combine a tablespoon of your favourite brand with another of your favourite ingredients - say cucumbers and lettuce. If you are more conservative in your food choices there are still many possibilities.

For those concerned about nutrition peanut butter used in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. It is a source of protein and Vitamin E - unless, of course, you have an allergy, in which case even having a jar of peanut butter opened near you can have serious consequences.

It is because of the serious allergic reaction to peanuts and peanut products that some schools have banned these foods from the lunchroom. We need to understand that just because you love a food it does not necessarily follow that everyone else does.

The copyright of the article Food Allergies and School Policy in From Field To Table is owned by Bob Ewing. Permission to republish Food Allergies and School Policy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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