Recently, I was introduced to Mark and Lori Sandler, owners of Divvies
"Made to share!" and parents of a child with severe food allergies.
I've
planned and/or hosted over one hundred kid's parties and until
our
conversation, had never thought of accommodating food allergies,
nor,
the ramifications of my
over-sight. Shame on me! The thought that
there were children not
being invited, or permitted to attend a party because of there
allergies, broke my heart. You don't need to make the same mistake. I'm excited to be offering a safe and
delicious alternative,
as well as
providing tips so that children
will no longer be excluded.
Over 12 million people in the United States have to choose their
foods carefully because they have severe food allergies. One out of
every
twenty five kids has food allergies. Strictly avoiding allergens is the
only way to stay safe. Food allergies should not hold anyone,
especially kids, back from having fun and feeling included!
Steps you can take for a safe and inclusive party:
Provided by Lori Sandler owner of Divvies "Made to Share"
Allergen Safe Treats!
peanut free, tree nut free, egg free & dairy free.
Communicate with parents and guests directly in advance. Being
prepared
as best you can, will eliminate a stressful situation during
the party.
Maintain an appropriate sense of confidentiality. Show respect for
an individual's privacy as best you can in this very social
situation.
Work together so everyone feels safe and included. Understand what
foods must be avoided, and which are safe so there are no surprises.
Being prepared by speaking directly with your guest or parent will
make
you a better host. Ask for assistance if necessary, but do all
you can to
make your guest feel "welcome, expected and included".
Many times, people with food allergies are served last because their
meals
must be prepared separately. You will really touch someone's
heart if you
go the extra mile to make sure this does not happen!
While planning your party, ask your guest's parents for delicious,
safe menu ideas.
Welcome your guests with food allergies to bring along their own
food,
and encourage them to bring enough to be shared. This way your other
guests will learn than allergy-free foods can be delicious, too.
Designate an allergy-free area at the table. This will comfort your
guest
with food allergies.
Make sure your guests do not trade food. When guests leave and
return
to their seats, ask that they do just that -- return to their
own seats!
If a child is food allergic, make sure a responsible adult is
watching out
for that guests' safety during the party.
Consider including Divvies gourmet popcorn, cookies, candies
along with
alternatives to food, in goodie bags. Divvies fun foods
are made
without peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and milk.
Order individually wrapped cookies and rock candy for party favors and
add the large box of sweet popcorn, which comes with individual bags
and
a scoop for serving. This adds a fun and festive touch to any party
theme!
Let them eat cake!
Now Divvies is shipping their delicious allergen-free cupcakes and
frosting!
