Should Schools Only Sell Peanut-Free Candy Bars?

Why schools should strongly consider peanut-free candy bar sales.

According to a 2010 WebMD article, peanut allergies have tripled from 1997 to 2008 in US children. Peanut allergy is one of the most prevalent food allergies and can be severe or fatal.

The increase may be because we have become an ‘overmedicated society’. In other words, due to today’s available medications, our immune systems are more prone to attack harmless proteins in many foods.

Because of this increased risk, should schools only sell peanut-free candy bars?

High Candy Bar Consumption

Candy bars are one of the most popular school fundraisers. The average person is estimated to consume 22 pounds of candy per year. According to a recent CNN article, the United States alone consumed 20.19% of the world’s cocoa from 2008-2009.

Why Sell Candy Bars with Peanuts?

Even though peanut allergies are still relatively rare in children, should schools risk selling candy bars that contain peanuts? Many schools have made concerted efforts to create ‘peanut-free’ zones on their campuses, but what about everywhere else? Since candy bars are being sold out in the community, anyone can make a purchase, not just the students.

Sure, people can make their own food choices, but what if they are unaware that they or a family member may have an unknown allergy? Is it worth the risk when peanut-free candy bars are available?

See our candy bar fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.