Helping Students Make Healthy Choices
Parent Input Welcome
Would you like to learn about the regulations that govern school breakfast and lunch programs? The Food Service Department is always interested in hearing from parents about our meal programs. Please contact Barbara Lloyd, Director of Food Services, at (425) 431-7073.
Build a Healthy Plate
The 2010 Dietary Guidlines For Americans are the best science-based advice on how to eat for health. The Guidelines encourage all Americans to eat a healthy diet and be physically active. Improving what you eat and being active will help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and obesity.
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There has been a lot of conversation and media attention in recent months about child obesity and the food and beverages available to students in schools. The real story is entirely about nutrition and helping students make healthy choices.
The Edmonds School Board adopted a policy that sets a standard for the nutritional content of “competitive” food and beverages available to students during the school day. A summary (.pdf) of the policy also is available to address some of the frequently asked questions.
While school meals provided by our Food Service Department comply with rigorous federal standards, Board Policy 8600 addresses foods available through student stores, vending machines, fundraisers, and Associated Student Body (ASB) activities.
The policy, developed by a districtwide task force, stresses education and encouraging students to make healthy choices, while not completely eliminating unhealthy foods. Highlights include:
- Seventy percent of foods available to students outside the school meal programs meet the new nutritional guidelines.
- Sales of these foods and beverages in high schools are permitted during the time when the school breakfast and lunch programs are serving food, but only in areas outside of the lunchroom.
- Sales of these foods and beverages are not permitted in middle and elementary schools at times when the school breakfast and lunch programs are serving food.
“This policy presents a sensible and moderate approach,” said Superintendent Nick Brossoit. “We continue to emphasize educating our children so that they can make positive choices.”
This policy is in response to state and federal nutrition requirements but is also the right thing to do. Poor nutrition affects children’s health and their ability to learn. Schools provide perfect opportunities to model and reinforce healthy eating behaviors by providing healthy food choices that are consistent with nutrition guidelines and recommendations.
Questions about the policy should be directed to Barbara Lloyd, Director of Food Services, at (425) 431-7073.
