Managing Food Allergies and More in School

April 10, 2026

Mom packing snack for her son for school. Putting lunch box with healthy snack into his school bag for lunch.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 13 children has a food allergy. Other children who have conditions such as celiac disease or eosinophilic esophagitis also have to watch what they eat and touch. Managing food allergies and other food-related health needs in school takes diligent effort.

“Parents should have a good understanding of their child’s food allergy or intolerance,” says Dr. Perdita Permaul, associate professor of clinical pediatrics and section chief of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “They should understand what could happen if their child ate that food, then take steps to help their kids stay safe.”

The Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine is affiliated with Children’s Hospital of New York at NewYork-Presbyterian.

Your Role in Managing Food Allergies in School

During early childhood, you play a vital role in protecting your children’s digestive system and reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Tips for managing food allergies when your child is at school include:

Communicate with school staff. Whether your child has a life-threatening food allergy or a chronic autoimmune disorder, educate all your child’s caregivers. Make sure teachers, guidance counselors and the school nurse know the signs of food reactions and provide an emergency care plan in case your child is exposed to a food allergen.
Prepare for everything. Holiday meals, food drives, field trips and in-class learning opportunities can all expose your child to dangerous foods. Work with your child’s teachers to provide safe eating options for your child and to reduce exposure to dangerous items.

Helping Your Child Manage Their Food-Related Issues

“Through the early years, children watch parents ask questions that help protect their health,” says Ayelet Goldhaber, M.S., R.D., CDN, CLC dietician/nutritionist at NewYork-Presbyterian. “Now, it’s time for them to practice asking the questions.”

Use these tips to help children manage their allergies and other issues at school and beyond.

Be open and age-appropriate. Talk to children about their allergies and food intolerances from an early age. Use age-appropriate language to help them understand. This understanding will help them avoid cow’s milk, food additives, gluten or other problematic foods, even when you’re not around.
Involve your child. Take them shopping so they can choose their favorite foods. Use this time to point out all the safe options they can enjoy that offer nutrients for strong bodies and minds. Teach them how to read food labels and restaurant menus and make smart choices.
Load them up with snacks. You never know when your kid is going to get hungry. To help them stick to their allergy-safe plan, stuff extra snacks in their lunchbox or backpack.

“Help normalize their differences and teach them to advocate for themselves,” says Liza Goldberg, CSW, social worker at Weill Cornell Medicine. “It can be difficult to say no to peers. However, children should understand that their health is non-negotiable, and that speaking up protects them.”

Steps for Managing Food Allergies in School

Food allergies, celiac disease and other food-related disorders can affect your child’s health. They can even be dangerous. Thankfully, you can help protect your child, even at school.

Managing food allergies during the school year starts with education. Teach your child and your child’s teachers and other caregivers about foods to be avoided and what to do if your child is exposed to a specific food.
Exposure opportunities are around every corner. Keep track of food-related events at your child’s school and brainstorm ways your child can participate safely.
As children grow up, you can help them take control of their health journey. Do this by showing them how to read food labels and menus, keeping healthy options on hand and training them to say no to unhealthy choices.

Need help managing your child’s food issues? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine who can lead the whole family toward better health.