The Medford Public Schools held a regular meeting on May 5, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the proclamation of Food Allergy Awareness Week, scheduled for May 17, 2025. The meeting began with a proposal from Member Ntapa, who highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding food allergies in the United States, noting that over 33 million Americans are affected, including nearly 6 million children. The discussion emphasized the increasing prevalence of food allergies and the serious nature of reactions, which can lead to anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition.

Member Ntapa shared personal experiences with food allergies, recounting how an incident in elementary school led to therapy due to the anxiety surrounding food safety. This personal narrative underscored the importance of awareness and education regarding food allergies, particularly in school environments. The member expressed gratitude to the Pellequin family for their advocacy and emphasized the need for better community understanding of food allergies.

Following this, Dr. Lucy, a school administrator, acknowledged the importance of the proclamation and introduced Jen Silva, the director of nursing, who provided insights into the district's ongoing efforts to promote food allergy awareness. Silva detailed the collaboration between food services and families to ensure safe meal options for students with allergies. She mentioned innovative practices, such as the use of "peanut tables" to allow students with peanut-containing meals to sit with friends while minimizing risk.

Silva also highlighted the training provided to staff on administering epinephrine, noting advancements in emergency medication, including an intranasal spray that simplifies the process for non-medical personnel. The meeting further discussed the "Be a Pal" program, which pairs older students with younger ones to educate them about food allergies and promote safe practices, such as not sharing food and proper handwashing.

Additionally, the district is working on forming a food allergy educational support group for caregivers, in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, to provide resources and community support for families managing food allergies.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of raising awareness and implementing educational initiatives to ensure the safety and inclusion of students with food allergies in the Medford Public Schools. The committee plans to utilize social media and other platforms to promote Food Allergy Awareness Week and further engage the community in this critical issue.