With each new school year comes a new classroom environment and routine. And if your child has a food allergy, there’s also a new group of people to educate. It can be a lot to keep track of, but we’re here to help with some quick after-school snack hacks that are nutritious and free-from the top allergens—so everyone can eat freely!

If Your Child Has a Food Allergy, Plan Ahead!

Before classes start for the year, get in touch with your child’s school to discuss their policies and staff training. Inquire about their food allergy emergency plan, make sure they’re aware of your child’s allergy, and provide your contact information and necessary medical information and medication in case of any issues.

Once the school year starts, work with your child’s teachers on avoiding allergen exposure, identifying ingredients, and recognizing allergic reaction symptoms. It may be helpful to provide a supply of allergy friendly snacks for any classroom parties or other events.

Allergy-Free Lunchbox Snack Hacks

Bento boxes are a great way to get creative with allergy friendly meals—put meals and snacks in different compartments in the same box.

There are lots of kid-friendly gluten-free lunch recipes – both sweet and savory – that are sure to be a hit. Here are some of our favorites:

Lentil Chips Pizza Crust: Did you know our vegan lentil chips can be used as a gluten free pizza crust? Turn your child’s favourite flavor (we recommend Margherita Pizza!) into a savory pizza crust and top with dairy free cheese and veggies!

Lentil Chip Chicken Tenders: Enjoy Life Lentil Chips are so versatile! Crush them up and use as gluten free “breading” for chicken tenders or a vegetarian alternative. We recommend Thai Chili Lime for a hint of spice! Recipe is below:

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.25 lbs. containing 3 breasts)
• 1 1/2 C. of crushed Thai Chili Lime Lentil Chips
• 1/4 C. of Honey Mustard vinaigrette dressing
• Optional: Popsicle sticks

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice chicken breasts horizontally in the middle, thus making your three chicken breasts into six pieces. Pat chicken dry.
3. Place crushed Lentil Chips into a medium to large sized bowl. Pour Honey Mustard vinaigrette dressing into a small bowl.
4. Dip chicken first into the vinaigrette coating both sides, then roll into the crushed Lentil Chips. Use your hands to help “pat” the crushed chips onto the chicken.
5. Repeat until all are coated and placed on the baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven, without turning, for 25-30 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool. Add Popsicle stick for serving.

Lentil Chip Chicken Tenders

Baking Mix Lunch Hacks: If you enjoy baking, gluten free baking mixes are a great lunchbox addition as well…plus they’re filled with vegan protein and probiotics! Try Enjoy Life Muffin Mix and add ground meat and veggies for a savory muffin. Make gluten free pancakes ahead of time and pack with healthier toppings – like sunflower seed butter and seed & fruit mix – for a sweeter lunchbox meal. Use gluten free pizza crust mix to make pizza waffles or gluten free soft pretzels. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t forget snacks! Nut free snack bars, dairy free cookies and soy free chocolates are the perfect solution for adding a special treat for lunches or mid-morning snacks.

We hope that these resources and snack ideas help make your transition into a new school year a seamless one! What are your back to school essentials?