RE: Food Allergies and Public Schools ??
I can see a couple reasons for their reaction. First is the liability issue. It is one thing to tell parents that they can't bring certain foods, and I think that is perfectly appropriate. However, I would be hesitant to sign something that could be used against me if I accidently sent something with nuts/egg/soy/etc. Product labels change and things that were previously fine may not be now. Additionally, things like eggs hide under different ingredient names and people who are not used to looking for them may miss them.
Second is the appearance that the policy is coming from you and not the school. From your second post, it sounds like you have talked to the parents and e-mailed them, so they may be getting the impression that you are the one making policy.
As far as their child being deprived, they can deal with it and just be grateful that it is only a few snacks a year they have to worry about it and not everyday.
Our preschool has a classroom that is peanut free. DS is not in that room, so I have no idea what all the restrictions areother than no peanut snacks. One preschool I looked at was completely peanut and tree nut free. I know that my cousin's kid's school has a peanut free table at lunch. It is heavily monitored, kids cannot have any peanut products and there is no food trading allowed.
Mama to three boys ('03, '05, '07)