FAQs

The number of students with severe and life threatening food allergies, especially those with tree nut allergies, is increasing nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that four to six percent of children in the United States are affected by food allergies. Food allergies result in more than 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children under the age of 18.

Eanes ISD implemented Nut Free classrooms in 2003, as allergies became more prevalent at the elementary campuses. While allergy management has previously been addressed through Individual Health Plans, the marked increase in cases caused the District to evaluate its practices related to food allergies. In response, the District created the Food Allergy Management Plan in the Spring of 2014, with input from parents, school nurses, Special Education staff, administration and the School Safety & Health Advisory Council (SSHAC). The Superintendent approved the regulation August 11, 2014, and the regulation was then revised in March 2015 with input from the same stakeholders.

Below are frequently asked questions; for specific information as relates to students in the District, please contact your campus nurse.

Why did the District institute the Food Allergy Management Plan (FAMP)?

Is the Plan designed for elementary and secondary students?

The guidelines are primarily for students on elementary campuses; however, where specified, all students regardless of campus are included. Secondary students are generally able to monitor their own health needs and carry and self-administer the medications prescribed for anaphylaxis; however, administrators, teachers, and other staff members shall accommodate a student’s needs in accordance with their Individual Health Plan (IHP).

How are staff trained to respond to the Plan?

All school nurses will follow guidelines established through their medical training and District protocols regarding students with allergies including training, storage of medication, administration of medication, and development of an Individualized Health Plan (including but not limited to the Eanes ISD Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan).

All campus, Child Nutrition, Transportation, Easy Care, and Child Development staff are required to complete annual mandatory training on food allergies to reduce the risk for exposure, recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reactions, and provide appropriate care. This training consists of completing an online module as part of the Eanes ISD Mandatory Training requirements.

Campus staff that work directly with a student with a documented food allergy that can lead to an anaphylactic reaction or an aide on a special needs bus monitoring a student with such an allergy are trained by a health care professional on symptoms and administration of medication specific to the individual student prior to the first day of attendance of the child. Substitutes are required to complete annual mandatory training on symptoms of anaphylactic reactions and administration of medication as part of the substitute training requirements. Information pertaining to a student with a food allergy will be left by the classroom teacher in the substitute folder.

What are Nut Free classrooms and why do they exist?

A Nut Free classroom is designated as a classroom where parents/guardians are informed that no food that contains nuts will be served or consumed by any staff member or student. Parents of a student with a documented nut allergy which can lead to anaphylaxis can request the principal to have the student placed in a classroom designated as Nut Free, following proper protocols and timelines.

Eanes ISD began implementing Nut Free classrooms and/or grade levels in 2003 out of an abundance of caution and as a result of an increase in students with severe and life-threatening allergies.

What role do parents play in the Eanes Food Allergy Management Plan?

Prior to the first day of enrollment, parents need to provide the school nurse with the EISD Allergy and Anaphylaxis Plan or a similar plan that has been completed and signed by the student’s physician and parent. In addition, parents are required to provide medications and replace them before expiration dates. Parents also need to inform Community Education and after school activity providers about health plans and medications.

Is outside food allowed on elementary campuses during the school day?

Yes, but in coordination with the individual campus’ allergy plan. A campus may choose to make an entire grade level, wing, pod, or classroom Nut Free depending on a documented nut allergy. If outside food is brought in, the group/parent MUST coordinate with the principal. This includes Booster Club/PTO, Eanes Education Foundation and homeroom events. For adult-only events that occur in common spaces, nut products may be served, but the same cleaning
protocols used in the cafeteria must be done in the common space after the event. Principals are responsible for coordinating with custodians regarding the specific cleaning of Nut Free areas after adult-only events.

Are groups such as rentals, Booster Club meetings/events, Community Education classes, etc. allowed to bring food for events outside of school hours?

Outside entities may bring food containing nuts into Nut Free designated areas EXCEPT Nut Free classrooms. For adult-only events that occur in common spaces, nut products may be served, but the same cleaning protocols used in the cafeteria must be done in the common space after the event. Principals are responsible for coordinating with custodians regarding the specific cleaning of Nut Free areas after adult-only events.

While the District cannot control food consumed during after school events and activities, the entities hosting the event must provide spaces designated as Nut Free. Also, when an approved vendor is used for an event, the organizer must inform parents the name so that parents will have an opportunity to review relevant ingredient lists, either on the vendor’s website or as posted at the event.

Are food rewards allowed in Eanes ISD schools?

Are all kitchens in Eanes ISD Nut Free?

No. At the elementary level, all food offered by Eanes ISD Child Nutrition is Nut Free and kitchens are Nut Free. The kitchens and food served at the three secondary campuses are not Nut Free. Secondary students self-monitor their health needs related to seating and food intake in the cafeteria. However, teachers and administrators assist students in accordance with the Individualized Health Plan.

Is food allowed to be consumed on buses, including elementary field trips?

Does food taken on elementary field trips have to be Nut Free?

Only if the grade level going on the field trip has a Nut Free classroom. Students attending a field trip in a grade level with a Nut Free classroom must bring a Nut Free lunch and snack. In addition, field trips for a grade level with a Nut Free classroom should not go to food production facilities where nuts are used in the manufacturing of products or to places where students will consume food where nuts are used in products. Trips to places that have snack bars, cafeterias, or vending machines will be allowed; however proper precautions are taken for students with food allergies.

Does Eanes ISD stock epinephrine auto-injectors on its campuses?

Yes. Stock epinephrine auto-injectors at all Eanes ISD campuses are kept on-hand for students or staff members who experience an undiagnosed anaphylactic reaction during the school day.
Schools have the following stock supplies on campus:

Elementary Schools: 3 sets of Epipens and 3 sets of Epipen Jr.
Middle Schools: 3 sets of Epipens and 2 sets of Epipen Jr.
High School: 4 sets of Epipens and 1 set of Epipen Jr.

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