Medford committee proclaims May 17 Food Allergy Awareness Week; district nursing outlines programs and supports

The Medford School Committee on May 5 proclaimed May 17, 2025, Food Allergy Awareness Week in Medford Public Schools and heard details from district nursing staff about current programs and planned supports.

Member Ntapa introduced the proclamation and described personal experience with childhood anaphylaxis to argue for greater awareness. The committee unanimously approved the proclamation.

Nut graf: District Director of Nursing Jen Silva, participating by Zoom, outlined current practices and programs: Food Services Director Retta Smith coordinates modified meals for students with allergies; some cafeterias use designated "peanut tables" to contain allergen exposure; nurses train staff to administer epinephrine and plan to train on an intranasal medication option; and the district runs a peer-led "Be a Pal/Protect a Life" program that mentors younger students on snack rules and cross-contamination prevention.

Silva also said the district is forming a caregiver food-allergy educational support group with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America — New England and Dr. Xavier, the school physician; the first meeting was scheduled for May 15 via Zoom. Silva praised cafeteria staff and school nurses for their work and highlighted recent presentation of the district’s program to about 300 school nurses at a New England conference.

Ending: The committee approved the proclamation and members encouraged public awareness and social media amplification; the district will continue staff training and parent support work.