No snacks from home for the party

[Heffernhyphen]

Isn't it sad that we've gotten to the point where all snacks available to kids in school have to be store-bought? Even the bake sales have to sell pre-packaged goods. We just got the note about the upcoming Holiday party that says nothing can be homemade. Personally, I'd rather my kid get a cat hair or cootie from a finger-print smeared cupcake his classmate made with his Mom than grow up thinking Oreos are Christmas cookies.

[angelpie545]

I know, I HATE that policy as well. We had to tell parents that when I was a preschool teacher, and it's because of food allergies (in case one of the other students has one), and because apparently they are afraid someone could poison it or put something hazardous in the food. Yes, they really do think that. I don't mind the policy too much b/c I can always run to PCC and pick up something organic there, but I'm not at all a big fan of the usual Safeway treats filled with chemicals and artificial dyes/flavors. The only place where it begins to bother me is when they try to tell me I can't bring in foods for MY kid. That's where I begin to have issues, because I do have a daughter who has atypical reactions to dairy products (she gets extremely irritable and hyperactive but doesn't exhibit the normal stomach upset that comes with most dairy allergies). Luckily she's not in school yet so we will cross that bridge when we
come to it.

[TiredX2]

Can you ask about fruit?

In DD's class (3rd/4th) STRAWBERRIES are always the most popular treat at parties (they are the only things we need to limit). Grapes are also a great choice. Kids totally go for them, fast & easy.

[Zach'smom]

It is because we live in such a sue happy society. Schools are afraid of lawsuits by parents. There are so many children with food allergies or diabetes or other dietary restrictions. Some parents just don't want their kids having a cupcake or cookie for a birthday treat at school. The school is also worried that you would accidently or on purpose do something to taint the food and sicken or worse the students. Then the school is responsible.

I miss the days of homebaked cupcakes for birthday treats.

[USAmma]

That's sad.

I think if the parents don't want their kids to eat something they are allergic to they need to send their child with their own alternative food. That's what I do at my dd's preschool. She is pretty good about not eating things not from home. They have that store-bought rule for snacks that we take turns bringing on snack day. It's expensive for me to buy pre-packaged snacks and drinks for the whole class! I asked the teacher if I can bring microwave popcorn instead and she said that was fine. I popped it but left it in the bags. The teacher said it was a big hit with the kids.

[blizzard_babe]

It's an allergy/lawsuit issue. You cook with peanuts in your kitchen, Johnny is allergic to peanuts, you unwittingly get peanut residue in your non-peanut-containing snack... whammo, school gets sued for serving little Johnny something he's allergic to.

It's total BS, but it's the way things work nowadays.

[mtiger]

Originally Posted by TiredX2

Can you ask about fruit?

In DD's class (3rd/4th) STRAWBERRIES are always the most popular treat at parties (they are the only things we need to limit). Grapes are also a great choice. Kids totally go for them, fast & easy.

I think the point is stuff MADE at home isn't allowed. Most folks don't grow their own strawberries or grapes. Store-bought is okay.