Question for Food Allergy Moms/Families

[lizzywednesday]

One of my Girl Scouts has life-threatening peanut allergies and her mother carries her rescue medications. I've insisted that Mom register as an Adult Volunteer so she can stay at troop meetings, even if food is not involved, because my Girl Scout does not yet carry her own meds. (I am not sure when Mom will allow her Girl Scout to carry the meds, but that's her business, not mine. Until then, however, Mom must register as an Adult Volunteer.)

We are starting camping badges tonight (virtually) and one of the activities I would like to do with the girls when we are able to meet somewhere with a fire ring is campfire cookery.

If I provide the ingredients for any thing the kids decide to make, what kinds of things do I need to be aware of when reading labels so I can protect this troop member?

Even if her parents decide it's too much risk for me to be the one providing her ingredients, I want to try to provide ingredients in a safer way for other troop members to help reduce her risk when working with the other girls. (NB: I know this is not foolproof and may vary, but if there's wording I need to focus on that would be extremely helpful.)

For example, let's say we choose to make a foil packet dessert twist on a fruit crisp/cobbler/brown betty.

In this hypothetical one of the topping ingredients is rolled oats. Should I be alert to specific wording, like "processed on shared equipment" or other wording besides "may contain: PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, DAIRY" or whatever else is on the label?

[MSWR0319]

One of my Girl Scouts has life-threatening peanut allergies and her mother carries her rescue medications. I've insisted that Mom register as an Adult Volunteer so she can stay at troop meetings, even if food is not involved, because my Girl Scout does not yet carry her own meds. (I am not sure when Mom will allow her Girl Scout to carry the meds, but that's her business, not mine. Until then, however, Mom must register as an Adult Volunteer.)

We are starting camping badges tonight (virtually) and one of the activities I would like to do with the girls when we are able to meet somewhere with a fire ring is campfire cookery.

If I provide the ingredients for any thing the kids decide to make, what kinds of things do I need to be aware of when reading labels so I can protect this troop member?

Even if her parents decide it's too much risk for me to be the one providing her ingredients, I want to try to provide ingredients in a safer way for other troop members to help reduce her risk when working with the other girls. (NB: I know this is not foolproof and may vary, but if there's wording I need to focus on that would be extremely helpful.)

For example, let's say we choose to make a foil packet dessert twist on a fruit crisp/cobbler/brown betty.

In this hypothetical one of the topping ingredients is rolled oats. Should I be alert to specific wording, like "processed on shared equipment" or other wording besides "may contain: PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, DAIRY" or whatever else is on the label?

DS has a severe peanut allergy to the point that he breaks out in hives just from contact. Labeling laws only require that the allergens be in the label. So ALWAYS read the ingredient list even if there are other warnings listed. I've seen peanuts in the ingredient but not listed where it says may contains. If she's not eating it you will be keeping her safe by following the ingredient list and the warnings. The warnings aren't required so her parents may not let her eat those but comfort zone varies. But she will be as safe as possible around items if the items aren't labeled with warnings. There are numerous may contain statements so avoid anything that says may contain, processed with, processed on shared equipment etc. If peanuts are listed in any warning its best not to use.

Thank you for being willing to keep her safe!

[lizzywednesday]

...

Thank you for being willing to keep her safe!

Honestly, it's a no-brainer for me - I am already teaching the kids how to safely build/light/tend fires, cook, use knives, and do other "dangerous" things; keeping their sister Girl Scout safe aligns with my belief that my first responsibility to my troop is teaching them safety basics. You can't do the fun stuff if you can't keep yourself safe!

[petesgirl]

I think you should talk to the mom and see how she shops. She is the only one who can tell you what she is comfortable with for her child, since allergies vary so widely.
My neice has a peanut allergy, but only if she actually ingests large amounts so they disregard 'warnings' as long as peanuts aren't in the ingredient list.

[California]

My one tip to add: Keep all the original containers and wrappings and show them all to the mom. You could even text the mom photos of ingredients before hand. That let’s her make the final call.

[o_mom]

One of my Girl Scouts has life-threatening peanut allergies and her mother carries her rescue medications. I've insisted that Mom register as an Adult Volunteer so she can stay at troop meetings, even if food is not involved, because my Girl Scout does not yet carry her own meds. (I am not sure when Mom will allow her Girl Scout to carry the meds, but that's her business, not mine. Until then, however, Mom must register as an Adult Volunteer.)

We are starting camping badges tonight (virtually) and one of the activities I would like to do with the girls when we are able to meet somewhere with a fire ring is campfire cookery.

If I provide the ingredients for any thing the kids decide to make, what kinds of things do I need to be aware of when reading labels so I can protect this troop member?

Even if her parents decide it's too much risk for me to be the one providing her ingredients, I want to try to provide ingredients in a safer way for other troop members to help reduce her risk when working with the other girls. (NB: I know this is not foolproof and may vary, but if there's wording I need to focus on that would be extremely helpful.)

For example, let's say we choose to make a foil packet dessert twist on a fruit crisp/cobbler/brown betty.

In this hypothetical one of the topping ingredients is rolled oats. Should I be alert to specific wording, like "processed on shared equipment" or other wording besides "may contain: PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, DAIRY" or whatever else is on the label?

My first thought is to put this mom in charge of the food shopping for this outing. Provide a list and reimbursement, but have her shop. That may be her preference anyway.

If that won't work, then I would just eliminate anything that even mentions nuts - the may contains, shared equipment, etc. If there is a specific item that you have trouble finding, ask the mom, she probably knows which brand is safe.

Last option is for this girl to bring her own food/ingredients.

[lizzywednesday]

My first thought is to put this mom in charge of the food shopping for this outing. Provide a list and reimbursement, but have her shop. That may be her preference anyway.

If that won't work, then I would just eliminate anything that even mentions nuts - the may contains, shared equipment, etc. If there is a specific item that you have trouble finding, ask the mom, she probably knows which brand is safe.

Last option is for this girl to bring her own food/ingredients.

TBH, those are all good options.

We can reimburse from troop funds at any time, and I honestly have no problem whatsoever doing that as long as she registers first.

Ultimately, the question may end up being moot this year due to Council rules regarding shared food and COVID (which I have to review before I finalize anything), so we will have time to make a plan that makes Mom feel comfortable that Girl Scout will be safe (or, really, safer, seeing as how labeling can be so tricky) and still have the same fun experiences as the other girls in our troop.

[DualvansMommy]

My first thought is to put this mom in charge of the food shopping for this outing. Provide a list and reimbursement, but have her shop. That may be her preference anyway.

If that won't work, then I would just eliminate anything that even mentions nuts - the may contains, shared equipment, etc. If there is a specific item that you have trouble finding, ask the mom, she probably knows which brand is safe.

Last option is for this girl to bring her own food/ingredients.

DS1 is severely allergic to PB & all tree nuts. Last year pre covid, the den leader had me shop the ingredients as if I was buying for DS2. I didn’t mind that as I would have send him to that campfire lesson with his own list of food to cook. The den leader tied in safety and importance of reading everything you buy. Not just the allergen warnings.


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[lizzywednesday]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for your input on how your families keep your children safe when it comes to food, food-prep, and their allergies.

We're currently planning a campfire building & cooking workshop with one of our council Outdoor Specialists next month and because of the current COVID-19 rules, we won't be able to do communal meal prep (i.e. - ingredients come with one person and we all work on the meal together) so everyone will have to bring their own food packs from home.

But, for future outings and campouts, I really appreciate having your advice on what you would find most comfortable and safe for your families. It's a much-needed perspective for me and while I try very hard to think like a FA parent, I just don't have to and I can be blind to a lot of the worry you carry with you.

[nfceagles]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for your input on how your families keep your children safe when it comes to food, food-prep, and their allergies.

We're currently planning a campfire building & cooking workshop with one of our council Outdoor Specialists next month and because of the current COVID-19 rules, we won't be able to do communal meal prep (i.e. - ingredients come with one person and we all work on the meal together) so everyone will have to bring their own food packs from home.

But, for future outings and campouts, I really appreciate having your advice on what you would find most comfortable and safe for your families. It's a much-needed perspective for me and while I try very hard to think like a FA parent, I just don't have to and I can be blind to a lot of the worry you carry with you.

All good advice. Thank you for the effort to keep her included.


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[lizzywednesday]

All good advice. Thank you for the effort to keep her included.

In the Girl Scout Law, we promise to be "honest and fair" as well as to "respect (ourselves) and others" - this is directly related, plus, it's a safety issue.

I can put in the effort to be fair and respectful to this Scout's needs so she can have fun, too.