Changing the narrative around peanuts in schools remains a key priority for the National Peanut Board (NPB) and its industry partners. Through engagement at national and state levels, strategic events and educational outreach, we are seeing measurable progress (Read more in PQ50).
One key indicator of this shift is the significant decline in media coverage of peanut bans in schools. In past years, local news often spotlighted new school policies restricting peanuts, despite expert recommendations advocating for allergen management over bans.
In the past year alone, media coverage of peanuts in schools has dropped by 87%. In 2024, only six states reported stories related to peanut bans, compared with 15 states in 2023.
“Widespread reports of new bans can create the perception that peanuts are being pushed out of schools, making our work more challenging,” said NPB Director of Communications Lauren Highfill Williams. “This decline in coverage signals progress — an encouraging sign that our collective efforts to promote peanut safety and inclusion in schools are making an impact for U.S. peanut farmers.”