How to Host an Allergy-Free Party for Kids
Whether you are hosting a holiday, end of school year, or birthday party, it is important to make it allergy safe for children suffering from food allergies. Many food allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts are present in party treats and store-bought desserts. Here are some tips to host an allergy free party that is fun and safe for everyone:
Ask about allergies. Before the party, ask parents to list any food allergies or dietary restrictions their child may have when they RSVP or in a link to a simple Google Form sent via email to the guests ahead of time.
Prepare non-food prizes. Kids love goodie bags - so fill them up with non-food related prizes such as puzzles, stickers, toys, pencils, and notebooks. These are fun long-lasting surprises that are allergen free.
Accept help. Accept any help from parents of children with food allergies. Graciously welcome offers to bring an allergy-free snack or food to share. Consider inviting parents of children with food allergies to stay for the party to ensure their child’s safety.
Keep foods safe. Avoid the major eight foods that cause almost 90% of allergies: milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Keep "safe" foods in a different container from these allergy risk foods. Use separate tools for preparing and separate utensils for serving. Clean everything. Wash all tools and surfaces with hot, soapy water and insist that guests wash their hands before and after handling and eating any foods.
Substitute ingredients, not flavor. Use sunflower butter over peanut butter, hummus, and chocolate tahini spreads for dips and other side dishes for delicious flavor minus the risk of an allergen.
Fill piñatas with lollipops and gummies instead of chocolate. Try to avoid chocolate candy, as some may contain peanuts and other tree nuts. It is still delicious and fun to fill piñatas with lollipops, gummies, and even fruit snacks that do not contain allergens. Read ingredients on labels to avoid food allergens. If the food is made in a facility that uses allergens, then there may be a high risk of cross-contamination. Avoid packaged foods with no labels and ingredients listed.
Create fun snacks. Chicken skewers, popcorn, vegetables with hummus dip, and fresh fruit kabobs are all free of the major eight food allergens.
Prepare allergy free cakes. Some bakeries cater exclusively to allergy-free cakes and supermarkets have a selection of dairy and/or gluten-free desserts. You can also bake cakes and cupcakes without the major eight food allergens, ready for all of the guests to enjoy.
With these tips, you can ensure that no child gets left out of the fun during the party!
References:
Easy Ways to Make Your Child's Birthday an Allergy Safe Bash - Eatright.org (2019)
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/6-tips-hosting-food-allergy-friendly-kids-party.html
https://www.sanitarium.com/au/health-nutrition/kids/8-tips-for-nailing-an-awesome-allergy-friendly-kid
https://asthmanc.com/throw-a-kiddie-birthday-party-with-allergy-safe-snacks/