Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to acknowledge that serious nut allergies exist and Chewonki is 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, there is the potential for contact with peanuts and tree nuts on and off Chewonki’s campuses.

Definitions

• Tree nut – Includes, but is not limited to, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, filbert/hazelnut, litchi/lychee/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.
• Peanut – Includes whole peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil and other products, including candies, containing peanuts.
• 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[1]. Participants should specify if a coconut allergy exists. 
• Nutmeg is not actually a nut. It is a seed and poses no risk to those with nut allergies.

Locations on Campus

Kitchens – Peanuts, tree nuts, and products which contain nuts are not permitted in kitchens or dining halls. Some products may be processed in the same facility as peanuts and tree nuts. The kitchen makes every effort to eliminate these products.

Pack-out – Peanuts, tree nuts and products that contain nuts are not permitted in this supply area. Some products may be processed in the same facility as peanuts and tree nuts. Families are asked to eliminate foods containing nuts from carried-in food for participants while at Chewonki. An exception may be made for remote or extended wilderness trips where packing non-perishable protein is an issue. Any exceptions must be approved by the Health and Wellness Center.

Participant Residences – Peanuts and tree nuts or products containing nuts are not permitted in participant residences. Families are asked to eliminate these products if sending food to participants while at Chewonki. All packages that are mailed to participants will be opened in the presence of a staff member who will ensure these products are not sent to Chewonki.

Public Areas (Wiscasset Campus) – In public areas such as the CEE, Farmhouse lobby, etc, foods containing peanuts or tree nuts are not permitted.

Staff Residences/Offices – Staff are permitted to have peanuts and tree nuts in their residences and offices, but should be sensitive to participants visiting the residences or offices in regards to allergies.

Other Public Areas – While we do not allow nut products on our campus, there is the potential for contact with peanuts and tree nuts on and off Chewonki’s campuses. 

Elementary/Middle School Policy: Students may not bring peanuts, tree nuts, or nut products of any kind to school for lunch or snack.