To support its mission, the District will provide an environment that cultivates maximum student potential. Nutrition influences a child’s development, health, well-being and potential for learning. To afford students the opportunity to fully participate in the educational process, students must attend school with minds and bodies ready to take advantage of their learning environment. This district-wide nutrition policy encourages all members of the school community to create an environment that supports lifelong healthy eating habits. Decisions made in all school programming need to reflect and encourage positive nutrition messages and healthy food choices.

The policy of the School District is to:

1. Provide a positive environment and appropriate knowledge regarding food:

a) Ensure that all students have access to healthy food choices during school and at school functions.

b) Provide a pleasant eating environment for students and staff.

c) Allow a minimum of 20 minutes for students to eat lunch and socialize in the designated cafeteria area.

d) Enable all students, through a comprehensive curriculum, to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy food choices for a lifetime.

2. When using food as a part of class or student incentive programs, staff and students are encouraged to utilize healthy, nutritious food choices.

3. When curricular-based food experiences are planned, staff and students are encouraged to seek out good nutrition choices whenever appropriate.

4. Reduce student access to foods of minimal nutritional value.

a) In keeping with contractual obligations to the National School Lunch/Breakfast programs, ensure the integrity of the school lunch program by prohibiting food and beverage sales that are in direct conflict with the lunch/breakfast programs.

b) Encourage the practice of good nutrition by reducing the sale or distribution of foods of minimal nutritional value through a four-year plan that focuses on:

i. Reducing access to non-nutritional foods.

ii. Educating students about healthy foods.

iii. Selective pricing that favors sales of healthy foods.

5. To accomplish these goals:

a) Child Nutrition Programs comply with federal, state and local requirements.

b) Child Nutrition Programs are accessible to all children.

c) Sequential and interdisciplinary nutrition education is provided and promoted.

d) Patterns of meaningful physical activity connect to students’ lives outside of physical education.

e) All school-based activities are consistent with local wellness policy goals.

f) All foods and beverages made available on campus (including vending, concessions, a la carte, student stores, parties, and fundraising) during the school day are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

g) All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines.

h) The school environment is safe, comfortable, pleasing, and allows ample time and space for eating meals. Food and/or physical activity is not used as a reward or punishment