Introduction
The purpose of this policy is to acknowledge that serious nut allergies exist and we are committed to minimizing the likelihood that a participant or staff member will suffer a reaction due to consumption or contact with peanuts or tree nuts. While we do not provide nut products to our participants (unless approved), there is the potential for contact with peanuts and tree nuts on and off Chewonki properties.
Definitions
- Peanut – Includes whole peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil and other products, including candies, containing peanuts.
- Tree nut – Includes, but is not limited to, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, filbert/hazelnut, litchi/lichee/lychee nut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut. Also included are natural nut extracts, nut butters (including nut butter products such as Nutella), candies containing tree nuts, nut oils and nut milks (e.g., almond milk) and other products containing tree nuts.
- Coconut – Although coconut is designated as a tree nut by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is botanically a fruit and does not pose the same risks as actual tree nuts, and therefore is permitted at Chewonki. Participants should specify if a coconut allergy exists.
- Nutmeg is a seed and poses no nut allergy risk.
Wallace Center Kitchen – Peanuts and tree nuts are not permitted in the kitchen or dining hall. Some products may be processed in the same facility as peanuts and tree nuts.
Packout/Outdoor Classroom/Leadership Expeditions – Peanuts and tree nuts are not permitted. Some products may be labeled as being processed in the same facility or as may contain peanuts and tree nuts. Families are prohibited from providing foods containing nuts to participants while at Chewonki. An exception may be made for remote or extended backcountry trips where packing non-perishable protein is an issue. Any exceptions must be approved by the Vice President of Program Services and Risk Management and the Director of Health Services.
Participant Residences – Peanuts and tree nuts are not permitted in participant residences. Families are prohibited from providing foods containing nuts to participants while at Chewonki.
Chewonki Elementary and Middle School – Peanuts and tree nuts are not permitted.
Staff Residences/Offices – Staff are permitted to have peanuts and tree nuts in their residences and offices, but MUST be sensitive to participants visiting the residences or offices in regards to allergies.
Public Areas (Wiscasset Campus) – Peanuts and treenuts are not permitted.
Remote Properties/Other Public Areas – While we do not provide nut products to our participants (unless approved), there is always the potential for contact with peanuts and tree nuts on and off Chewonki’s campuses including Chewonki’s remote properties
Last Updated 1/5/2023
