Chanute, KS: District deals with "growing national problem"; food allergies "on the rise"

July 24, 2018, Chanute (KS) Tribune: Chanute USD 413 takes precautions with allergies http://www.chanute.com/news/article_418f6afa-8fa0-11e8-8819-d3098ae6b8d6.html The Chanute school district is doing something about a growing national problem. Food allergies, particularly with severe reactions, have been on the rise, and schools are having to find ways to prevent what could be life-threatening situations. … The move to becoming peanut aware occurred about four years ago, according to CES Principal Matt Koester. This year the language of the CES student handbook changed to ask that parents not bring snacks to school that contain peanuts, but it is not a requirement. …. Rather than banning peanuts for the entire school, CES will have two peanut-free classrooms for students with severe allergies. Those classrooms will have special note sent out before the start of school, and parents may also chose to opt out, according to Koester. …