|
Susana Hernandez
email:Susana.Hernandez@pisd.edu
TEXAS
PUBLIC SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICY CLARIFICATIONS
The Texas
Department of Agriculture issued the Texas Public School
Nutrition Policy, which was effective beginning August
1, 2004. Now that school has started, there have been
a number of questions and comments concerning the intent
of various sections of the policy. We appreciate the input
and feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators
and are providing the following clarifications to assist
Texas school districts in understanding and implementing
the policy.
The health
of our children is of utmost importance to all of us,
and we believe these clarifications will help improve
nutrition while at the same time recognizing the vital
role parents play in the education of their children.
1.
Classroom birthday parties: TDA
recognizes that celebrating student birthdays with a classroom
party is a time-honored tradition that provides the opportunity
for parental involvement in the education of their children,
which is beneficial for students, parents and teachers.
Foods otherwise restricted by the policy are permitted
at student birthday parties. It is recommended such parties
be scheduled after the end of the last lunch period so
that these celebrations will not replace a nutritious
lunch. Federal regulations do not permit foods of minimal
nutritional value to be served in the food service area
during meal periods.
2.
Competitive foods for elementary schools: The
competitive foods policy section for elementary schools
states that it does "not pertain to food items made
available by the school food service department."
This does not mean, however, that dessert-type items (cupcakes,
cookies, ice cream, etc.) are allowable outside meal hours
simply if provided by the food service department. The
intent of the policy is to encourage the consumption of
nutritious food by students and to limit access to high-fat,
high-sugar items during the school day. Therefore, the
only food that may be made available to elementary school
students on campus during the school day, at times other
than meal periods, is a nutritious classroom snack allowed
by the policy. This does not apply to student birthday
parties or any other exemption as established by the policy.
3.
Fundraising activities for elementary and middle schools: The policy only applies to food and beverages consumed
during the school day for elementary schools, during meal
periods for middle schools, and during meal periods in
the food service area for high schools. The school or
school approved organizations may take orders or sell
vouchers during the school day for candy or other restricted
items and deliver these items after the end of the school
day. Students may order or purchase such items during
the school day as long as they receive the items after
the school day ends.
4.
Pizza parties, etc.: The
intent of the policy is to encourage the consumption of
nutritious, well-balanced meals and to limit the availability
of high-fat items during the school day. There has been
confusion about pizza or other foods being served at school
parties. With the exception of school birthday parties,
schools may not allow alternative meals (pizza, BBQ, sandwiches,
etc.) to be provided to students in competition with meals
made available by the school food service department under
the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
However, such items may be provided if they are supplemented
with additional food provided by food service to become
a reimbursable meal. This allows the addition of fruits
and vegetables for a complete nutritious meal as well
as providing federal reimbursement funds to the school.
|
