Food Allergy Policy and Education Requirements and Guidance

When students have medical conditions that affect their health and nutrition, such as food-based allergies, a collaborative approach involving families, schools and the community is vital for student success. Schools can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis occurring at school for students with food allergies by implementing policies and procedures that will limit the risk of students being exposed to the most common allergens.

Ohio law requires districts to have a written policy with respect to protecting students with peanut and other food allergies, encourages districts to train school personnel and age-appropriate students on supporting students with food allergies and outlines requirements regarding the procurement of epinephrine to support students with food allergies. This webpage outlines requirements in Ohio law that support students with food allergies and links to resources supporting students with diabetes.

Policy to Support Students with Food Allergies

Ohio law requires that each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district, chartered nonpublic, community, and STEM school establish a written policy with respect to protecting students with food allergies. Schools shall develop the policy in consultation with parents, school nurses and other school employees, school volunteers, students, and community members.   

Training to Support Students with Food Allergies 

Ohio law specifies that each board of education may create training for all staff members and age-appropriate instruction for students in grades kindergarten through 12 on food allergies and ways in which to assist an individual experiencing an allergic reaction. If a board of education chooses to provide training to staff and students, the training may include:  

  • Instruction in food allergies;  
  • Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis;  
  • Prevention of allergic reactions;  
  • Management and administration of epinephrine; and  
  • Follow-up and reporting procedures.  

Training completed qualifies as a professional development activity for the renewal of educator licenses, in addition to activities approved by local professional development committees.

 

training resources  

  • Allison Rose Foundation: Resources and training curriculum. This curriculum is designed for a coordinated education effort between first responders, medical providers. and schools, targeting elementary, middle, and high school students. 
  • Code Ana: School preparedness training regarding anaphylaxis prevention and response and guidance for schools in development and deployment of school emergency plans. 
  • Food Allergies in School Nutrition Programs-Avoiding Cross-Contact (Institute of Child Nutrition): Training resources for avoiding cross contamination of food with potential allergens. 

Federal School Meal Accommodation Requirements for Child Nutrition Programs

School food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program must make reasonable accommodations available to students with certain conditions referenced in the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidance. School professionals may reference the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in the School Nutrition Programs Guidance for School Food Service Professionals.  

School food allergy policies may not alter the process of accommodating children with special dietary needs through the School Nutrition Programs as prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture in the guidance.

Emergency Epinephrine Resources

Ohio Law allows schools to purchase or procure stock epinephrine to be used in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit the Department’s Supporting Students with Food Allergies webpage.

Student Possession

Ohio law allows for a student enrolled in a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district, chartered nonpublic, community or STEM school to possess and use an epinephrine autoinjector to treat anaphylaxis.  For more information, visit the Department’s Supporting Students with Food Allergies webpage.


Allergy Resources for Schools

The following resources assist school staff with food allergy policy development, implementation and evaluation to support students with food-based allergies.

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Last Modified: 6/30/2026 8:23:49 AM