Op, I think that you should start a new thread in whatever school district you are in (assuming you are in MCPS, Fairfax or DCPS) and ask for recommendations to get accommodations for your dd. As I recall at our MCPS elementary (albeit years ago), the lunchroom was very crowded and there was not a lot of supervision. There was an "allergy" table. I had a friend whose daughter had a severe peanut allergy but I know the epipens were kept in the nurse's office, not in the lunchroom (I haven't kept on the rules so that may have changed). In any event, you should seek advice from parents in a similar situation and try to find out what you will encounter so you are not surprised when you meet with your principal. Good luck!

Thanks for the thermos Rec and I will try kashi. No, her allergy isn't airborne but milk is a hidden ingredient so accidents happen and she has needed epipen injections despite everyone's best. I don't think home schooling is the answer (nor do they suggest that for peanut allergies!). I think bans are a false sense of security - I don't want that - just that the adults around her know how to use an epipen and are watching close enough to use it.

Anonymous wrote:I feel for you, my son is not allergic to dairy, but won't touch it. So when he is in a nut free classroom, we struggle to include protein. Actually, we struggle when nuts are allowed : )

Definitely infest in a thermos. Funtainers (by the thermos company) work great. My son actually complains at time it is too hot.
http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Ounce-Funtainer-Food-Blue/dp/B00CBFAE6W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1441080529&sr=8-4&keywords=fun+thermos&pebp=1441080531961&perid=14BSJ1FWMKTY7D4KPHBS

Keep trying various cold proteins - pepperoni, cooked chicken breast (inlcuding recipe below)

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-moist-tender-chicken-breasts-every-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-36891

Look for breads, cereals, etc that have more protein. I figure a little here and there start to add up.

pp here. I just realized part of your concern was the fact your child was highly allergic to dairy. I did not mean to compare my son's aversion to your true allergy. I was just trying to help with idea of what to pack.

On that note - Go lean Cruch is a very high protein cereal. If she likes crunchy food - she could eat it dry.

I would meet with the school and tell them how severe of a dairy allergy she has.

I feel for you, my son is not allergic to dairy, but won't touch it. So when he is in a nut free classroom, we struggle to include protein. Actually, we struggle when nuts are allowed : )

Definitely infest in a thermos. Funtainers (by the thermos company) work great. My son actually complains at time it is too hot.
http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Ounce-Funtainer-Food-Blue/dp/B00CBFAE6W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1441080529&sr=8-4&keywords=fun+thermos&pebp=1441080531961&perid=14BSJ1FWMKTY7D4KPHBS

Keep trying various cold proteins - pepperoni, cooked chicken breast (inlcuding recipe below)

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-moist-tender-chicken-breasts-every-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-36891

Look for breads, cereals, etc that have more protein. I figure a little here and there start to add up.