For those of you talking about Potluck Dinners, luncheons, etc. I think you have missed the point. One could have a potluck dinner maybe 10 years ago and not think twice about it if someone became ill , BUT TODAY
The question to think about is,"Who would be liable?" People vary in their food prepartions techniques... food brought into schools is a touchy subject, especially with decreased funds and pto's and pta's trying to make it and stretch their funds. I personally do not like potlucks. I have heard of potluck type dinners in Missouri resulting in hepatitis and ceasing of foods being allowed to be brought into schools. The party having the function is responsible for what is served...that means if someone fixes something and a pta sponsors it, we have the responsiblity if someone gets ill. What if someone sues? Then what? Any attorneys out there? ag
Didn't mean to ruin chocolate for anyone [img]smile.gif[/img]
Just so you know, I am still a big chocolate fan!
I think the deeper issue here is how safe is too safe? when do we stop living our lives? Recently, our area put Bake sales under attack. One non-profit was literally shut down because they did one without filing for the expensive permit (which would likely cost as much as the bake sale would make)
Anyhow, sometimes I wish that there was no information out there. Ignorance is really bliss! We could just live and it just makes me sad!
Sorry Melloweer. Sometimes it's hard to read negativity from sarcasm when you're posting on these threads. I happen to be a very sarcastic person myself. I just feel that there are so many parents out there who don't have the personality type to "take the bull by the horns" so to speak. With PTO's being "rather clickish," some parents don't feel welcome or know how to approach. I merely meant that you should always ask. Over the years, I've found that something as simple as communication opens the door to new parent involvement and makes them feel more welcome and at ease. I've met some of my best friends through the PTO and that's always a good thing! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Both sides of this have great points, but I think agree with Pomom and the other "potluckers". We just can't put ourselves in a bubble and avoid every risk in life. I know there are times local health rules will intervene, but all-in-all, I'll continue to participate in pot-lucks, parent-made food donations for teacher appreciation, and bake sales.
My life's mantra is, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." This also applies to any/all potluck events. Potluck dinners are very social and parents tend to bring in the "best of the best." If everyone took on the mindset that they might find disgusting things in their food when they ate out, they would never eat out again! Melloweer, try not to think negatively in that only the "involved" PTO parents, faculty and staff would bring a potluck dish (although I will not presume to know your PTO situation). As I've stated many times before in my postings, sometimes donating a food item is the only thing a "wannabe" involved parent has time for. It's a simple way for parents to be involved. The worst that can happen is they say no. [img]smile.gif[/img]
Sometimes it's hard to read negativity from sarcasm when you're posting on these threads. I happen to be a very sarcastic person myself. 
I just feel that there are so many parents out there who don't have the personality type to "take the bull by the horns" so to speak. With PTO's being "rather clickish," some parents don't feel welcome or know how to approach. I merely meant that you should always ask. Over the years, I've found that something as simple as communication opens the door to new parent involvement and makes them feel more welcome and at ease. I've met some of my best friends through the PTO and that's always a good thing! [img]smile.gif[/img] 