Schools Invite Parents to Attend a Free Interactive Web Series on Food Allergies

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ALEXANDRIA, Va.- Parents who have children with food allergies are always worrying that their children will eat something they shouldn’t. School systems hold the same concerns for the students that they are entrusted with.

One measure being taken by school systems in collaboration with city, state, and federal official is a free three-part interactive web seminar series entitled, ‘Managing Food Allergies in Schools.’

The first installment of the series will take place on April 29, and will provide an overview of eight major food allergens, and the legal responsibilities of school districts to accommodate students with these allergies. The School Nutrition Foundation, which is sponsoring, organizing, and hosting the series, was unavailable for comment in time for this posting to elaborate on what allergies would be discussed.

Speakers during this panel session will be:

• Jeannie Sneed (moderator) - Food Safety Specialist, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Office of Emergency Management and Food Safety, Alexandria, Va.
• Melissa Rothstein - Program Analyst, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Child Nutrition Division, Alexandria, Va.
• Mara McElmurray - Program Analyst, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Child Nutrition Division, Alexandria, Va.
• Cindy Hormel - Child Nutrition Director, Liberty School District, Kansas City, Mo.

The second installment of the series will take place on May 27, and will discuss developing policies in schools in relation to food allergies. In this session, as well as the third installment of the series, Ms. Sneed will continue to act as moderator.

Speakers during this panel session will be:

• Brenda Greene - National School Boards Association, Alexandria, Va.
• Katie Millett - Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Massachusetts Department of Education, Boston.
• Elizabeth Bugden - Consultant on food allergy training and policy development.
• Cheryl Peil - Child Nutrition Director, Elmbrook Schools, Brookfield, Wis.

The third installment of the series will take place on June 3, and will discuss the implementation of policies.

Speakers during this panel session will be:

• Deb Scherrer - Vice President of Education Programs, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, Fairfax, Va.
• Marilyn Healy - Registered Nurse, Specialist, Office of Health Services, Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore.
• Amy Harkey - Assistant Director, Charlottee-Mecklenberg Public Schools, Charlotte, N.C.

Currently, registration is only available for the first web seminar. Individuals interested in participating in all three seminars will have to register for each one separately when the registration period becomes open.