We did. We supplied the daily snack for Mariah's second grade class for about half the year. The reason we stopped was because the SD presented us with an IHP that declared the room 'food free'. For the remainder of that school year, 3rd and 4th grades, there was no food in her classroom. Then in 5th grade, we all agreed to fresh fruit and veggies would be allowed in the classroom.

I did - the teacher and the principal were very onboard with this, I think they were relieved to have the responsibility taken from them. So I buy the snacks for the entire class (pre-school 2 days per week). I also make or buy all the food for all the holidays e.g. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines.....it is exhausting and expensive, but I have peace of mind and I know that my PA DD is safe and thats whats most important. At times I think it would be nice if the school cut us a small break on the tuition, but thats not going to happen so I just keep on keeping on....

I run the coffee hour after Sunday service at our church. It is a lot of work, but everyone is so supportive. People make donations fairly often. Also, we now have a line item in our budget and I get reimbursed for around 50% of what I buy. My 15 yo pa daughter and I bake and prepare the food. I want her to enjoy food, I think it is empowering for her.
Anyway, I wish I had thought about doing this when she was in elem. school. But I was naive then. Just kind of protected her as best I could. Thank G we made it through relatively unhurt! Sounds like a great idea. Go for it!

I bought the snacks for Kindergarten the entire year. I also supplied the baby wipes for Kindergarten. I have felt it is a small price to pay for my peace of mind. The school was completely on board. When we went to first grade this year our new teacher felt we shouln't have to do this. She met with our new school nurse and ended up getting funding from our local rotary club to pay for them!I was surprised but welcomed it all the same!
Lori

I have a question. When you decide(like in your 504) to make a classroom *food-free* do the kids still get to have a snack mid-day?? I have thougth about aksing for a *no-food* policy in my sons class, but I don't want to take away their snack in the afternoon. It's such a long day for those guys, and he comes home starving anyways(they eat lunch at 10:40 AM!!!)...do they just not get anything and deal with it, or do they go somewhere, like the lunchroom to have snack?? I have thought about offering to buy snacks for the class as well, but my son brings his own snack everyday anyways, so I know he's not *eating* anything he shouldn't. When the parents do donate snacks, it's enough to feed the whole class and the teacher lets me check each ingredient label. Then I tell her if any are of concern. I think, at least for this year, this works well. I was just wondering though...about the *no food*. Thanks!
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Chanda(mother of 4)
Sidney-8 (beef and chocolate, grasses, molds, weeds, guinea pig & asthma)
Jake-6 (peanut, all tree nuts, eggs, trees, grasses, weeds, molds, cats, dogs, guinea pig & eczema & asthma)
Carson-3 1/2 (milk, soy, egg, beef and pork, cats, dog, guinea pig)
Savannah-1 (milk and egg)

Yep, I provide snack for pre-K through 2nd grade. Thankfully, the classes are all small. I also provide all the holiday party foods, b-day cupcakes and many of the art supplies. And the soap for the bathrooms. To me, it is a small price to pay for me to be able to relax and for my kids to be able to not worry. At this point in their lives, they have enough on their plates just trying to understand their food allergies. Also, since we need to stay away from peanuts, nuts, wheat, gluten, bluebbery, some melon and now sunflower there was no way for me to feel comfortable with anyone else bringing in any food at all.

Wow I am seriously impressed with you guys! I haven't offered yet and I don't think I am going to....there are over 20 kids and they have two snacks a day. Each parent is assigned a specific snack to bring and a day. I am going to have him bring his own snack. Which brings me to my own vent but I'll start a thread.

2 snacks a day?! Whoa! How long are they in school and how old are they?
I offered to bring snacks for dds whole class for the year, but the director said she couldn't put that burden on me. She must have had another reason because I was clear that it was not a burden, but buying peace of mind.
DDs class brings snacks from an approved list that I created. Yes, it is limiting. But there are plenty of things to create variety for the kids. I bring the baked goods for any class party and attend so dd is safe and participating.
It works for us.
Patty