Food Allergy Management in Schools: Updated Guidance and Best Practices

Food allergies affect up to 10% of children, and anaphylaxis is estimated to occur in 1 in 15 schools each year, according to the new AAP Clinical Report: Management of Food Allergy in Schools. This report replaces the 2010 guidance and reflects the latest evidence, laws, and emergency preparedness practices. One key recommendation is that all school staff should receive training in recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis, often coordinated through the school nurse—a critical step in ensuring student safety. Creating a safe and supportive school environment requires collaboration among pediatric clinicians, students, families, school nurses, allergists, and school staff to develop effective plans for managing food allergies.

Related Resources:

• NASN’s School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Allergies and Risk for Anaphylaxis
• NASN’s Allergies and Anaphylaxis Resource Page
• Food Allergy Management in Schools (FAMS): Expert Recommendations for K-12 from FARE