EOE Food Allergy

5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays with food allergies

By Starlene Hatch 11/14/2018 Leave a Comment

5 Tips to

With Food Allergies

It’s that time of year again where the air is crisp, the stores start playing holiday music the day after Halloween and don’t forget the numerous family get togethers and holiday parties. Here are some tips to survive those holiday parties when you have food allergies.

1 RSVP

When you are invited to a party that you are not providing the food for, it is a good idea to call the host and ask what kind of foods will be served. If it is a potluck, then if you can’t read it, don’t eat it. When eating other places besides your home with the food you have prepared, it can be a nerve racking, anxiety provoking issue for both you and your kids.

2. Bring your own safe food

Bring your own safe food that is allergen free based off what you or your kids can eat so the host doesn’t need to worry about preparing food separately. Bring a dish that is allergen free and good for everyone to enjoy.

If you are hosting the party, ask guests to bring paper goods such as cups, napkins, plates...more non-food items.

3. Make an ingredient card:

Include an ingredient listing card with your food you bring to the party. Also, add an ingredient card to all food gifts you send out from your kitchen. This may seem like overkill to some, but it can be very helpful with families with kids with food allergies that you don’t know about. If you are hosting, keep all labels from the food you prepare in case one of your guests has a food allergy as well. Again, If you can’t read it, don’t eat it. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness at a party and with friends and family

4. Watch the littles-

You and your partner make a plan before attending the party that will make sure the kids are supervised at all times. Take turns with your partner and trade off. Starting with either one of you keeping an eye on the littles while your partner has a chance to socialize and then vice versa. This will keep little hands away from possible allergens that are hidden on a big table such as nuts, especially chocolate nuts yum!

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5. Rules-

Go over rules with the kids before you leave for any event and again in the car. This is so that the most important safety rules, such as not eating a food unless he or she has checked with you first, will be fresh in their minds when you arrive.

Always read labels and carry medications in case of emergencies.