With school starting at the end of August, we are already making preparations for the upcoming year. There are a few ways to make a school safe lunch if your school has a “no-nuts” policy.
When you see “no-nuts” it includes:

  1. Pine nuts
  2. Peanuts
  3. Pistachios
  4. Walnuts
  5. Cashews
  6. Hazelnuts
  7. Macadamia
  8. Almonds
  9. Brazil
  10. All other nuts I may have missed
  11. And anything manufactured in a facility with nuts, most commonly in: oats, chocolate, dried fruits, all desserts made in a professional bakery, processed food from restaurants, breads, some cereals, granola bars, crackers, cookies, chia seeds, flax seeds, baking ingredients.

If you’re looking to ensure safety, check the ingredient label on the package. It will have a message saying “may contain” or “made in a facility with”.
If you’re still unsure, don’t use it, or call the manufacturer (I do this often). In our epi-pen episode this past May, the box of fudge popsicles did not have have a warning on the box; however, when I spoke to the manufacturer, they did in fact produce the popsicle in a facility with nuts (cross contamination occurred).

Here is what we have for SB+J sandwiches. There is an array of soybutter and sunbutter. At Hy-Vee it’s located in the Health Market aisle. At Metcalfes, it’s in the bread aisle. At Target it’s located in the condiment aisle. At Copps it’s in the PB+J aisle.
The best pricing is Target and Copps. Hy-Vee comes in third, and Metcalfes is so expensive, I never buy it from  this store. Be sure to download your coupon online to save a bit more. Just Google the name of the Sunbutter you’ll be purchasing.
Be sure to check your bread. Some contain nuts. Sunflower seeds and other oats, quinoa, rice, are safe. As long as it is not made in a facility with nuts, it’s fine.
Most Jams and Jellies are fine. We love Bonne Mamman.
Enjoy your day! We are off to McKee Farms Park!