Food/Snack Guidelines

 

Food At School Guidance

 

Clarification has been provided to all elementary schools regarding food provided to students at school for events like class parties and class activities.  The following information comes from PUSD BP 5030 and AR 5030 (Student Wellness).

 

All foods and beverages sold, served, or given to students on school grounds between midnight and 30 minutes after school ends, shall comply with federal, state, and District nutrition standards. This includes but is not limited to fundraisers, student stores, vending machines, classroom celebrations, and all other foods and beverages provided to students at school.

 

Nutrition Standards for Foods and Beverages: The District shall utilize the most current federal, state,and local statutes and regulations for its nutrition standards, and shall apply those standards to all foods and beverages sold, served, or given to students at school. In addition, the following restrictions apply:

• Coffee and tea may not be served or sold to students on campus during the school day.
• Beverages containing herbal supplements or non-FDA approved additives may not be served or sold to students. This includes energy drinks such as those containing gingko biloba, ephedra, ginseng, guarana, ma huang, etc.
• With the exception of foods and beverages provided by the Food & Nutrition Department (F&ND), foods and beverages that do not have ingredients and nutrition facts shown on the package label may not be served or sold to students.
• Foods or beverages in glass containers may not be served or sold on school premises.

 

When planning classroom parties or school-day events that include food or beverages, items must be coordinated through the Food and Nutrition Department to ensure they meet school nutrition guidelines.

The good news is that classroom celebrations can still include fun, school-approved options. Through the reimbursable lunch program, room parents and teachers can work with Food and Nutrition Services to host options such as pizza lunches at no cost to the classroom. Meals may include items like pizza, fruit, vegetables, and milk, and can be served directly in the classroom with advance planning.

Food and Nutrition Services can also provide additional celebratory items such as frozen treats, and milk options (including fat-free chocolate milk that can be served warm as a hot chocolate-style option), when arranged in advance.

Families are always able to provide foods and snacks for their own children to enjoy at school. This information only pertains to instances where foods and beverages are being provided to more than just their own children.

 

If you are planning an event and unsure how this pertains to your planning, please reach out to Principal Sullens.