|
Helping Students Make Healthy Choices
Parents Needed for Advisory Group
Would you like to learn about the regulations that govern school breakfast and lunch programs? The Food Services Department is forming an advisory group, composed of a representative from each of our schools, to learn about our meal programs and provide input on the implementation of the new wellness policy. For more information or to sign up for the committee, contact Barb Lloyd, Director of Food Services, at (425) 431-7073.
Food Pyramid Gets A Makeover
The food guide pyramid has been rebuilt! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) changed the pyramid because they wanted to do a better job of telling Americans how to be healthy. Notice the guy climbing the staircase up the side of the pyramid? That’s a way of showing how important it is to exercise and be active. For a kid, that means a lot of physical activity time.
To learn more about the changes to the Food Pyramid, visit MyPyramid.gov.
|
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. In many instances, it’s become known as the “soda ban,” but 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 Services Department comply with rigorous federal standards, the new changes address 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 Barb Lloyd, Director of Food Services, at (425) 431-7073.
The elementary lunch menu and lunch prices are available online.
|
