Schools make adjustments for students with food allergies

Students at Paloma Valley High School have options at lunch time. (Photo by Justin Kerenyi)

Editor's note: This article is part of a cooperative agreement between Menifee 24/7 and local high schools to give student journalists more exposure.

By Merryann Madrigal, Paloma Valley student journalist

According to food allergy research and education websites, approximately two students in each classroom have some sort of food allergy. As the numbers of childhood allergies continue to rise, schools are now forced to reform.

It is a fact that 15 percent of students have had an allergic reaction at school. So what does school staff do to keep these numbers down? And how does this affect students in their everyday life?

Schools take on the responsibilities of ensuring that their meals include options for students with dietary restrictions, as well as making sure their kitchens are organized so there is no mix-up. Audrey Mitchell, Director of Nutritional Services at Paloma Valley High School, confirms that the school takes all necessary precautions when preparing the meals for students.

When asked about the process of food distribution and meal accommodations, her response was, “All items are ordered through our food service distributor, Gold Star Foods. A physical inventory is taken monthly to account for all items.”

Mitchell listed the different food options that are presented for students who may need them.

“We provide gluten free options, plus we provide a variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from,” Mitchell said. She added that Paloma officials are well aware of the students with allergies, and that the whole food staff does what is needed to keep meals separate and at an easy reach for all students.

Although schools do all they can to facilitate the day to day routine for students with dietary restrictions, it raises the question: Do students with food allergies feel different than others at school?

Anthony Casimiro, a sophomore at Paloma Valley, shared his experience of going to school with a food restriction. When asked whether his allergy interfered with his day to day activities, he said, “It does not affect my everyday life at all.” He then dug deeper and explained how his allergy truly had no effect on how he felt when he was grabbing meals at school.

“My friends and other people know of and respect my allergy,” he said.

As the population of students with allergies increases, districts and their staff adjust to the new protocols and procedures they must face when providing meals to their students. All the school’s hard work is represented by the lack of issues coming from the population of diet restricted students on campuses.

The fact that these students feel that they have the same number of options as those without restrictions truly demonstrates the work being put in by administrators and all kitchen staff in Perris Union High School Distrct.