There are so many alternatives to having food inside the classroom.  This allows every child to be safe and included and it also makes it so much easier on the teacher.  I have listed some suggestions for non-food celebrations and rewards.  You can also find additional ideas online. 

1. Create a classroom treasure box filled with party favors, little toys and gadgets.  Let the birthday boy or girl take their pick on their special day.  (Party City, The Dollar Store or Oriental Trading Company)

2. If parents want to bring something in to share with the class then ask them to give non-food party favors. Such as matchbox cars, bouncy balls, stickers and activity books.

3. Ask parents to purchase a book for the classroom in the birthday child's name.  Read it to the class or  invite the child's parents to come in and read it to the class.

4. Play games or have the children create their own board game and share it with the class.

5. Children love show and tell.  Have the birthday child bring in something special to share with the class.

6. Offer extra recess time on special holidays.

7. During holiday parties, play games, make crafts and do fun activities. 

8. Children love to be silly and dance, so during a celebration have a dance party. 

9. Instead of a party, have the classroom plan a special community service project.

10. Have a special chair for the birthday child to sit in all day or let them be line leader for the day.

11. Watch a fun movie!

12. Eat lunch outside or have class outside.

13. No homework for the day.

14. Offer extra time on the computer.

15. Free choice time.

16. Arrange for a special guests to come into the classroom.

17. Allow a student to be the teacher's helper for the day.

18. Create a rewards chart and the person with the most rewards gets something special. Non-Food of course.

19. Reward children with a ribbon, certificate, plaque or a trophy.

20. Eat lunch with the teacher or the principal.

Check out my blog Food Free Celebrations in the Classroom.

If you have never heard of FAACT or are just not sure what they are all about, then I am happy you are reading this blog.  I just recently joined the FAACT Team as Director of Education and Community Outreach and I am so thankful to be part of this team.  The entire FAACT team consists of mothers of children with food allergies, so they understand what it is like to have a child with life threatening allergies.  It is so great to have a connection with these ladies and know we are working towards the same goal.  All of us on the team want to make this world a better place for people suffering from food allergies through awareness and education.  I am a huge fan of any food allergy organization, but this organization is very special.  All of the ladies within the FAACT organization truly inspire me, and they are equally passionate about food allergies.  I am so honored to say I work with these ladies. 

Eleanor Garrow-Holding is the Founder and CEO of FAACT.  I first met Eleanor when she worked with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) as Vice President of Education and Outreach.  From the very first moment I met her, I felt an immediate connection.  She was so warm and probably the most supportive and encouraging person I have ever met.  I was new to the world of food allergies and she welcomed me to the food allergy community with open arms.  After this first encounter, we continued a friendship via email and Facebook and I am confident it will continue to grow in the years to come.  You can read more about this fabulous lady here.  

Thanita Glancy is FAACT's Director of Civil Rights Advocacy.  My first meeting with her was at a FAAN Leader's Summit in Chicago, where she discussed 504 Plans in great detail.  This lady is a warrior and knows her stuff when it comes to the food allergic and their civil rights.  Her discussions helped me a great deal when it came to mapping out my son's 504 Plan for Kindergarten.  I am truly thankful for her knowledge and her compassion.  You can read more about Thanita here.

Karen Harris is the Vice President of Education and Outreach at FAACT.  If you just talk to Karen for a couple minutes you will want to be her friend.  She is such a kind and compassionate person and I am so grateful to be working alongside her.  I first met Karen via Facebook and we immediately connected and I was honored to have the opportunity to meet her at a FARE Leader's Summit in Chicago, IL.  Read more about Karen here.

Amelia Smith Murphee is General Council and Vice President of Civil Rights Advocacy at FAACT.  I have not yet had the opportunity to meet Amelia face to face, but I am looking forward to meeting her soon.  We have talked via Facebook and telephone and I am certainly glad to have this lady on our team.  She understands food allergies and the rights of food allergic individuals.  I can tell she is a very smart lady and has great knowledge regarding civil rights and advocacy.  You can read more about Amelia here.

How can you not want to support and join this team of amazing food allergic moms and advocates?  The FAACT team have so much planned for the future along with this year's Food Allergy Leadership Summits and Food Allergy Conferences in Anaheim, Atlanta, Denver and Philadelphia.  I really love FACCT's main focus, which is education, advocacy and awareness.  And most importantly a connection with people who truly understand what it is like to deal with food allergies on a day to day basis. 

To learn more about FAACT and how you can become a FAACT Patron, please visit the website here. 

The No Biggie Bunch is extending an exclusive Back to School offer to No Nuts Moms Group members. With every book order by No Nuts Moms Group members, now through September 30th, The No Biggie Bunch will provide a copy of Everyday Cool with Food Allergies – FREE! Just use the coupon code NNMG1 at checkout on The No Biggie Bunch website.

Everyday Cool with Food Allergies is a resource for kids and caregivers alike, and part of The No Biggie Bunch children’s book series for kids creatively coping with food allergies. Created by a mom of kids with food allergies, The No Biggie Bunch stands for being prepared, staying safe and having a great attitude. It aims to engage, educate and empower children with food allergies and their friends.    

Start your school year off with The No Biggie Bunch and keep the food allergy conversation going!     

*Free gift available while supplies last through September 30, 2014.
*Offer available only through The No Biggie Bunch website.