tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post1783745785236117599..comments2024-03-27T22:26:47.326-07:00Comments on Vegan Lunch Box: More of MabelJennifershmoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08663322884550580226noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-54470715419873043062008-04-10T23:25:00.000-07:002008-04-10T23:25:00.000-07:00I also think that "labeling" your child is not the...I also think that "labeling" your child is not the worst thing. Someone said that being a conformist just so you don't have to stick out is not good--"bubble wrapping" our kids is not healthy. I totally agree.<BR/>Regards<BR/>Sai BPO Services (UK) Ltd.<BR/><A HREF="http://www.saibposervices.co.uk" REL="nofollow">Web design and Web development</A>Web design and Web developmenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01472353849151721328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-74455735118215048402008-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:002008-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00i seriously feel that people who dislike what this...i seriously feel that people who dislike what this blog is written about shouldnt bother reading it. i can definetely see sending my sister to school with these labels. shes six and i highly doubt she can remember, 'please dont give me eggs milk meat or honey'. i think the labels are a good reminder and kids can take their containers out to show what they dont want to have. i also agree with the 'dont' instead of 'cant'. its not that we cant eat these things, we dont want to! ^^ overall i think at the least, the labels are super cute and if it makes kids excited about being vegan, more power to them.Laura Kennedyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15492115803873057529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-982657801262268082007-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:002007-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:00I find this discussion interesting, with many giod...I find this discussion interesting, with many giod suggestions. But a label saying "I can't eat" is misleading, becasue unless there is a food allergy, the child CAN eat that. I really like the "Please respect my beliefs" one, it seems somehow less bossy or dictatorial than the others adn invites mutual respect from caregivers and other parents, And possibly opens up some questions in a friendly, non-judgemental way. I have bought Mable's Labels int eh past and loved them, one is still on a water bottle for 3 years!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-15429859238552311992007-07-09T00:15:00.000-07:002007-07-09T00:15:00.000-07:00I am a teacher for kids who are severe/profoundly ...I am a teacher for kids who are severe/profoundly disabled. I have many autistic kids who are on different diets. To help those of us on the other end, it's helpful to know. I have labels for allergies including latex written all over because new people come in all the time. I have asked the parents of the kids with allergies/parents choice not to have their child eat certain foods send in snacks that we keep at school. They have also given me a list of things their child CAN eat so we can include them as much as possible because we do include functional skills in the classroom which includes cooking.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04415663863216674752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-47202263721883789922007-06-14T19:30:00.000-07:002007-06-14T19:30:00.000-07:00Hi! After reading this post and all the comments, ...Hi! After reading this post and all the comments, I feel compelled to leave a footprint of my own.<BR/><BR/>First, I enjoy your blogs.<BR/><BR/>I am not Vegan. I do have multiple allergies and choose not to eat many food ingredients that our "food" is plagued with, too. I think these labels are part of "knowledge is power" to those who need to know and have their "plates full" with life of many children, in these environments our children need help with..<BR/><BR/>The last two times I was hospitalized, I had put "aspartame" and "MSG/Monosodium Glutamate" on an allergy card. Aspartame was crossed out and "blue packet" was written next to it. <BR/><BR/>The verdict? My plastic/condiment package had a "pink" sugar substitute packet, but my food all contained aspartame and MSG in the ingredients no one cared about. <BR/><BR/>There was nothing I could eat in my "liquid diet". I had broth with MSG, diet carnation instant breakfast, coffee (I don't drink coffee, either.) and sugar-free jello.)<BR/><BR/>If a hospital can do this.. anyone can innocently do it, too.<BR/><BR/>I answered my children's requests for items in the market with, "what does the label say?" to teach them how to read the labels and learn for themselves. This, of course, only works when they can read and talk, for themselves.<BR/><BR/>We avoid many foods for many reasons in our lives.<BR/><BR/>As parents, it is our responsibility to give our child voice when they can not give it themselves.. and no matter how we try to accomplish this.. its a good thing!<BR/><BR/>I made my own "medic alert" tags. It is a printed metal luggage tag from those machines that make pet id tags. I use them as zipper pulls and bag charms. They are not all medical information related.. <BR/><BR/>My own is personally attached to a handled eye glass case, that hangs on the outside of my purse/bag, that contains printed/laminated cards with health, medication, allergy, medical contact info, etc. on them.<BR/><BR/>I call them "about me"'s. I have my cell phone number on the one's my children carry with them. This easily allows the "I can not eat" and "I enjoy" foods to be listed and I taught my children to show them, like ID, at meal times, when away from me or our home.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes "containing" does not help because I know many people who have no idea how to read a label or what is in pre-manufactured foods. (Mayo is the classic example, but corn syrup, by itself, tells the whole story, too.)<BR/><BR/>(These tags can easily be sewn onto stuffed animals a child carries, too!)<BR/><BR/>I LOVE the comment abt red and green. I am going to see how well colored tape will stick to the metal tags now!<BR/><BR/>Thank you for allowing my footprints.. ~HeidiCarolinaDreamzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01486119813066063409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-37121706518491223192007-05-28T00:49:00.000-07:002007-05-28T00:49:00.000-07:00I do am an every-eatarian. But it will take some t...I do am an every-eatarian. But it will take some time for me to analyse your under-rated recipes(Never mind).<BR/>May be this is the new idea. But 1st shall try.<BR/> Mick @ <A HREF="http://www.webdesigningcompany.net" REL="nofollow">development mysql php web</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-28595970569042128102007-05-10T09:45:00.000-07:002007-05-10T09:45:00.000-07:00Love the idea and I look forward to seeing what co...Love the idea and I look forward to seeing what comes from this discussion! Thanks for taking up a very worthy cause :)Amanda Sevallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17033234090612260292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-55666412290264830762007-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:002007-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:00I hear all your concers and comments, if labels ar...I hear all your concers and comments, if labels are needed, I was thinking more like.. "ATTENTION: Please no Animal products or manufactured sweets"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-24379793617251734282007-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:002007-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00Deirdre, I was thinking fruit, too...grapes, orang...Deirdre, I was thinking fruit, too...grapes, orange wedges, strawberries...easy to eat with fingers, cool, refreshing, and not complicated for you to make, either. Popcorn can be super easy, healthy, and yummy, too.Soniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14925296793560516038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-33304674897762875232007-05-07T20:43:00.000-07:002007-05-07T20:43:00.000-07:00chilled orange wedges, girl. Throw em in the fridg...chilled orange wedges, girl. Throw em in the fridge and then throw them in tupperware for the game.<BR/>My mum brought them to innumerable T ball games, and they were always a hit. Refreshing, natural, easy and yummy..letting gohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13146813783387557170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-87201259895119175792007-05-07T16:49:00.000-07:002007-05-07T16:49:00.000-07:00Hello! This question is unrelated to the original ...Hello! This question is unrelated to the original post:<BR/>My son began T-ball tonight and I am already obsessing about what to bring for the team snack when our turn rolls around. I feel pressure counteract all the high fructose corn syrup in a positive way. What have you done in the past? Any ideas? Thanks!deirdrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14510073337995570270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-76515384664527070952007-05-07T10:13:00.000-07:002007-05-07T10:13:00.000-07:00After reading all the comments, I can see how the ...After reading all the comments, I can see how the veg*n labels would be helpful. If I had a child in daycare or school, I would want to do everything possible to make sure they are not fed meat, dairy, eggs, white sugar, or any other nasty substance kids get fed on a daily basis. I like the suggestion of the label saying "Please respect my beleifs, I'm vegan and don't eat:_____________" <BR/><BR/>I also think that "labeling" your child is not the worst thing. Someone said that being a conformist just so you don't have to stick out is not good--"bubble wrapping" our kids is not healthy. I totally agree. Veg*n kids should be proud--I'm sure Schmoo can attest to that!Matt and Bobbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00287385850626173483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-27416930800023845182007-05-07T03:30:00.000-07:002007-05-07T03:30:00.000-07:00Here in Oz they have cute tee shirts which have ca...Here in Oz they have cute tee shirts which have cartoon cows or peanuts or eggs on them with a big cross (like a no smoking sign) and sayings like "I can't have a cow man" or "i'm a no nut" on them for pre schoolers. Mostly designed as an allergy thing rather than for lifestyle choices but a cool idea.<BR/><BR/>I am not at all vegan or vegetarian but with my 13 month old daughter I have a 'ask before she eats' rule because I am very fussy about preservatives, colours and sugar and salt levels. So if I leave her with anyone they only give her food I have sent with her.<BR/><BR/>Some labels would be very confusing with their length if they listed every food containing meat/dairy/eggs etc..E.Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01809609278720043870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-26829163595706747222007-05-07T02:29:00.000-07:002007-05-07T02:29:00.000-07:00I don't know whether anyone mentioned this yet sin...I don't know whether anyone mentioned this yet since I read about half the comments but not all of them, but I wonder if putting a button on your child's shirt/backpack, etc is not the best idea? It's like labelling the child as 'different', and we all know how kids can be mean to people that they perceive as different. Is it not best to find a more subtle way to inform the care giver/teacher that the child is vegan/vegetarian or allergic? It just strikes me that the kid might hate wearing the button as a constant and very visible 'symbol' of how they are different than most of their classmates.Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16954489498633974108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-81795218856035014452007-05-06T22:14:00.000-07:002007-05-06T22:14:00.000-07:00As an aside, when I've worked at big summer camps ...As an aside, when I've worked at big summer camps I've seen (homemade)labels for kids with allergies and kids who follow kosher and halel diets. VERY helpful. Labels said something to the tune of "I eat kosher! Please respect my beliefs by_________. I enjoy eating: __________"<BR/><BR/>It was just something to help counsellors and kitchen staff get a handle on the food choices of a LOT of kids. Detailed labels for veg kids aren't a bad idea at all.<BR/><BR/>And buttons? Hell I'm in my twenties and I could use a button..letting gohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13146813783387557170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-17052152630420585372007-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:002007-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00Jennifer,This is OT, but...My 10-yr old daughter w...Jennifer,<BR/>This is OT, but...<BR/><BR/>My 10-yr old daughter was reading the May/June 2007 issue of VEGETARIAN TIMES last week, and as soon as she saw your name, (p. 48, Packin' It In) she immediately knew who it was. Talkin' about famous people...kaiveganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16871498524110427910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-26570810276017781502007-05-06T08:12:00.000-07:002007-05-06T08:12:00.000-07:00these labels are a wonderful idea!these labels are a wonderful idea!foodiemamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03047817931188356634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-76537220257286402722007-05-05T12:35:00.000-07:002007-05-05T12:35:00.000-07:00Slightly off topic:This is not just for kids, but ...Slightly off topic:<BR/>This is not just for kids, but for anyone who is maybe traveling.<BR/><BR/>Menudata translates diet info on over 30 languages and you can get it printed on a card that goes to your wallet. You can send the card to the chef or give to a waiter if there's a language issue. I got one when I was traveling a couple of years ago. <BR/><BR/>https://www.menudata.com/index.php?page=home&mdlang=7<BR/><BR/>The translations are free though, so you can get the text without the card and just print it out.Emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11916531771872493060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-26036158154960166262007-05-05T03:29:00.000-07:002007-05-05T03:29:00.000-07:00I'm not a parent, but I've worked as an aide at a ...I'm not a parent, but I've worked as an aide at a small daycare. I agree that the labels can't sub for good communication between parents and caretakers, but they're a great <B>reminder</B> about what a child can and can't eat. A sticker on a cup clarifies things when the parent is gone, and provides a visual aid to remind the caretaker each day. I've had a wheat and dairy sensitivity all my life, and am currently vegan. In my own experience, it's been very confusing for others to grasp what I can and can't eat, even after telling them several times. (And I AM old enough to articulate that now!) <BR/><BR/>One day at daycare, my employer informed me that a 2-year-old boy was allergic to dairy and couldn't eat the cheddar goldfish given to the other kids, so she bought him a package of <A HREF="http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=305556&navAction=jump&navCount=1&id=prod2177453" REL="nofollow">pretzel goldfish</A>, and had been feeding those to him. It was a nice thought, but when I read the package, I noticed even <B>pretzel goldfish contain nonfat milk</B>! Oops!<BR/><BR/>I don't know the best answer to getting around all the mealtime snafus, but a customizable label with enough writing space would be helpful. A RED label with <B>"Note! I don't eat meat, fish, eggs, and dairy"</B> will fit most people who call themselves vegan. The customizable part could then say "<B>Please don't give me:_______</B>" (list honey/sugar/food allergies if needed + other "no-no" foods the daycare serves: ranch dressing, tuna, cream cheese, goldfish, pizza, etc.). There could be an optional GREEN sticker, purchased separately, that says "<B>I DO EAT_______</B>" (list acceptable foods daycare serves: carrot sticks, raisins, Rice Chex, strawberries, orange juice, etc.). That takes care of the "veganism is restrictive" issue and gives the daycare some options. I know some might say this idea is confusing because too many foods are listed, plus allergies can be life-threatening and need to be listed separately. Again, no solution is perfect. A general red food warning sticker (not just for vegans) could simply say "<B>Note! I don't eat:_______</B>", which involves only a minor change to the current Mabel's allergy label, and makes it friendly for vegans or anyone else with special dietary needs.<BR/><BR/>Also, I think it's perfectly acceptable to ask that no pre-packaged foods be given to your child if you feel the daycare won't have good judgement. Limiting daycare-provided snacks to fruits & veggies is a safe bet if they'll comply. Just pack plenty of natural/vegan cookies and crackers for your child like Jenniferschmoo does, and they won't feel "weird" or left out. Maybe they'll even feel extra special—in a good way. :-)Amie Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08927215877287383772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-51600215354893270082007-05-04T21:03:00.000-07:002007-05-04T21:03:00.000-07:00I just wanted to comment on a child being old enou...I just wanted to comment on a child being old enough to be able to tell teachers/care providers what he or she eats.<BR/><BR/>I know that by the time my child is at the end of kindergarten/beginning of first grade she will be completely able to ask for herself what's in the food she is being offered and make the decision whether to take it or not herself. But when she was in a daycare where I worked when she was 18 months old, she was not able to do that. <BR/><BR/>Right now she's 3 (almost 4) and still doesn't know to ask what's in the food she's being offered. An example: we were at my parents' house, and they were eating tuna salad sandwiches. They offered her a bite and told her it was really, really good. As she's reaching for it, I told her, "Baby, that has fish in it. You can eat it if you want, but it has fish in it, so it's your decision." She immediately responded, "EWWWWW!! FISH?!?!?!" (one thing we're working on is not putting down other people's choices...obviously not our strong suit at the moment). She would have happily scarfed it right up and then felt horrible when my parents told her there was fish in it (which they would have done as soon as she was done eating it...sigh...they're not bad, we just disagree on this one issue). The poing being, she's three years old and had never seen canned tuna fish before and didn't know what it was. And mommy's cupcakes look exactly like the ones her friends have at their birthday parties (thanks for the recipe, BTW!), so why would she want to eat a different kind? And her milk looks the same as the other milk...what's the difference? If she were going to daycare or a private school that provided her meals (which we're looking into for this fall), this could turn into a real issue. <BR/><BR/>As much as I like the "Please don't feed me unless you talk to my parent" idea, I just think that in a day-to-day setting this might be pretty problematic. No, this is not a substitute for good communication with care providers, but it would sure be helpful when a daycare provider has twelve 3-year-olds all clamoring for their lunch and is scooping everything assembly-line style (like we did at one daycare where I worked), but has their cups all right there with the plates. It's not appropriate for all situations, but boy could it be a lifesaver in some.Soniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14925296793560516038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-37644962479994618072007-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:00About sugar: a lot of the cane sugar sold in the ...About sugar: a lot of the cane sugar sold in the U.S. is filtered through charcoal that is made from animal bones. Even though there is no animal product in the sugar itself, many people prefer not to eat anything that was produced using animal products. There's a similar issue with wine and beer -- some brands are filtered using a product made from fish.Abbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05414699628049582035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-70200089653131862522007-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:002007-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00I understand the no honey thing for vegans, but wh...I understand the no honey thing for vegans, but why not white sugar?....even if the sugar was made from sugar beets?Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07439559245353664367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-66817810785430362312007-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:002007-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:00As a church child care worker, I agree that these ...As a church child care worker, I agree that these kinds of labels would be great. Kids often come with their own cups, but we feed them snack during service. Whenever a kid I am not familiar with is there, I am hunting up cards on them. Sometimes I can't find a card and the kid gets no snack. It would be GREAT to have it right there on their cup! <BR/><BR/>We also have a little toddler who calls everything "milk", whether it's water, juice or milk. Wouldn't trust her to tell me what she could eat/drink.<BR/><BR/>I think the confusion comes from the fact that this is a "lunch box" blog and people are assuming that the labels are going on a lunch box. The name labels are for the lunch box. The allergy labels are for a different situation.Jen https://www.blogger.com/profile/04314083222417430656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-65404019386759638612007-05-04T11:26:00.000-07:002007-05-04T11:26:00.000-07:00I am not a vegan or a vegetarian. I just wanted t...I am not a vegan or a vegetarian. I just wanted to say I agree with <I>Solitare-Renaldo Family</I>. If the child takes the food to school, then you are sure it is the right food for them. Letting the teacher's know you are vegan or vegetarian, will help. <BR/><BR/>I love the labels and plan to order a few for our family before next school year. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18340026413071243149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16132334.post-56651663669628844432007-05-04T00:20:00.000-07:002007-05-04T00:20:00.000-07:00What's up with the asterisk?What's up with the asterisk?VeraLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07362869302607792570noreply@blogger.com