HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – With students in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County returning to school this week, the US Department of Agriculture is asking parents to be aware of potential food allergens.

USDA Program Specialist Zoya Sattar has tips on how to pack safe lunches for children.

“Teach your child to, you know, wash your hands before and after eating, identify what those allergens look like and, this may be a little hard, but don’t share food with friends if in case they do get sick or your own child gets sick,” Sattar said.

According to the USDA, one in 13 children has a food allergy.