Our district dietitian went to Praireview Elementary School to teach a nutrition lesson. Students learned about food groups. They listed food in each category and completed a "food card". The food card provided information on the student's favorite foods and meals. At the end of the lesson students enjopyed a healthy snack.

The Food Safety Coordinator led a group of students from Streamwood High School around the commissary this morning. Students were able to follow the flow of food through the warehouse. Students learned about our food safety defense plan and how we safely prepare all the food for the elementary schools in the district.  

Staff members in schools across the district celebrated the opening day of baseball with decorations and festive foods!

Coming to Bartlett High School and Kenyon Woods Middle School cafeteria starting February 22…food allergy labeling.  Given the uptick in the amount of people challenged with food allergies, your U-46 Food and Nutrition Department will be starting to identify if a food being served for breakfast and lunch contains one of the BIG NINE food allergies. 

Foods will be labeled 1 of 3 ways:

1. Colored dots…used on the station and/or breakfast cart signs. Look for a color code KEY sign in your cafeteria to learn what each color stands for. 
2. Allergy alert labels…used on the grab ‘n go foods, such as sandwiches. IF the food contains a big nine allergen, it will be marked off on the label.
3. Food packaging…a manufactured-packaged item includes the ingredients and allergens on the back. Flip over the package to learn what (if any) big nine food allergens it contains.

What are the BIG NINE food allergens? The nine most common food allergens include:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Egg
                                       2. Fish
                                       3. Sesame
                                       4. Shellfish
                                       5. Milk
                                       6. Peanuts
                                       7. Soy
                                       8. Tree Nuts
                                       9. Wheat

If you have questions regarding food allergies and this new labeling system, please contact Christine M. Cliff, U-46 District Dietitian, at ChristineCliff@u-46.org or 847-888-5000 x5034.

Several FNS staff members have decorated the cafeterias and lunchrooms for the 2022 Winter Olympics.