BOE, admin. developing food allergy plan

The Voorheesville Board of Education is seeking community input as it develops a districtwide food allergy plan.

The plan is being developed in response to a growing number of students with food allergies, said Superintendent Linda Langevin. Board members and district administrators believe the plan is necessary to prevent children with severe food allergies from getting sick, she said.

Food allergies can cause a myriad of symptoms, such as hives, difficulty breathing, heart failure or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

According to the National Institute of Health:

• An average of two to three Americans die each week due to allergic reactions to food

• Approximately 30,000 cases of food-induced anaphylaxis occur in the United States each year, leading to as many as 200 deaths.

• Approximately 6 to 8 percent of children under age 4 have a food allergy, and 6 to 8 percent of people age 5 or older have a food allergy

»READ THE DISTRICT'S DRAFT FOOD ALLERGY PLAN

»OFFER YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PLAN