Volunteer Essentials

Food Allergies Common food allergies include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and seafood. This means that before serving any food (such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies or chips), ask whether anyone is allergic to peanuts, dairy products or wheat. Do this even if you are aware of which girls have specific allergies! Even Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies should be aware of their allergies, but double-checking with them and their parents/guardians is always a good idea. To minimize the risks involved with food allergies, volunteers can take the following steps: • Become familiar with food allergies, especially those that account for the majority of allergic reactions in children • Before serving any food, ask whether anyone has food allergies. Even very young girls should be aware of their allergies, but double-checking with their parents/guardians is a good idea • Review the health records submitted by parents/guardians. Ask for more specific allergy information if needed, including the degree to which reactions occur and the specific symptoms the girl experiences • Develop and practice an emergency action plan for allergic reactions • Ensure cookware, bakeware, plates and other items that may come into contact with a product a girl is allergic to are cleaned properly • Have choices for all girls. If everyone has choices, no girl is singled out • Ensure that if a girl has an inhaler or EpiPen, these remain with her for quick access • Be aware of cross contamination. Do not use the same utensils for different products (e.g., do not use the same knife for peanut butter and jelly) • Inform all necessary parties of health needs. This includes assistant leaders and volunteers who develop and carry out activities and purchase supplies Girl Scout Council-sponsored Product Programs, which include cookies, nuts, candy and magazines, give girls proven opportunities to earn troop funds and credits for their Girl Scout program activities. These sales also contribute significantly to the girls’ local councils and communities through Take Action projects. To ensure the emotional and physical safety and well-being of girls, which is always a top priority in any activity, you need to read and understand the following guidelines. Communicate with Parents Ensure the parents/guardians of all girls participating in Product Programs are fully informed about the activity including the: • Safety precautions in place • Need for appropriate clothing and/or supplies • Need advance arrangements for transportation and confirmation of these plans • Need for written permission for girls to participate (included in the Annual Permission form) • Location of designated sale areas, which are also communicated to Council Arrange for Adult Supervision Adults provide supervision and guidance for all grade levels, and must accompany Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors when they are selling, taking orders for or delivering products. Adults must be present at booth activities, regardless of the age of the girls. Product Program Safety

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