School Nutrition Guidelines

Healthy eating helps students achieve their full academic potential, physical and mental health. The link between good nutrition and children’s ability to learn and prevention of disease as an adult are well documented. Eating habits are established early in life and schools play a role in helping students develop healthy eating patterns. It is essential to create an overall school environment that encourages students to make healthy food choices.

The school health and safety committee recommends the following guidelines:

* Students will receive nutrition messages that are consistent throughout the school. (Classroom, Cafeteria, Fundraisers, School Events)

* Food and beverages sold and served on school grounds during school hours will meet nutritional standards and other guidelines set by the health and safety committee.

* Foods of minimal nutritional value, as defined by USDA will not be sold at bake sales, fundraisers, or used as a reward in the classroom.

* School personnel will not offer foods of minimal value as a reward, or withhold food as punishment for students.

* Parents are encouraged to provide nutritious foods if students bring bag lunches or snacks from home.

* School staff is encouraged to model healthy eating habits.

* Students will be offered foods that are one serving size only, no super sizes.

* Guidelines to not apply to foods given to students as part of a school/classroom event but teachers will be given a snack list as a guideline.

Adopted by School Improvement Team April 2003

Healthful Classroom Snacks List

Apples with caramel dip
Grapes
Oranges
Applesauce
Melons
Dried fruit
Low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit
Berries
Carrot or celery sticks with peanut butter
Carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, broccoli, etc., with low-fat dip
Peanuts or other nuts
Pretzels
Air-popped popcorn or light fat/free microwave popcorn
Baked tortilla chips with salsa
Chex mix or other party mixes
Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)
Pita pockets with peanut butter, bean dip, or hummus
Whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter or low-fat cheeses
Turkey breast and low-fat cheese tortilla wraps
Graham crackers with peanut butter
Rice crispy treats
Low-fat muffins
Vanilla wafers
Fig bars
Gingersnaps
Bagels with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese
Frozen yogurt, sorbet, or juice pops
Low-fat meat and cheese sandwiches
Baked potato chips with salsa or low-fat dips
Low-fat granola bars and cookies
Angel food and sponge cakes
Jello and low-fat puddings
Low-fat ice creams, frozen yogurts, sherberts
100% fruit juice mixed with club soda
Low sodium vegetable juices
Sugar free lemonades or kool-aids
Low-fat (1% or skim) milk or flavored milks