Many of you have heard that there is new legislation that restricts food in the public schools. The San JuanUnifiedSchool District has issued Board Policy and Administrative Regulations regarding these restrictions which will be effective immediately.The specific federal and state regulations from which these policies have been drafted can be obtained by Health Services (971-7643) or Food Services (971-7601).
The guiding principle stated in the policy is “The Board believes that all food available at school should contribute to the development of sound nutritional habits.All foods offered by student or adult entities or groups should reflect concern for the health and well-being of our students.”
The following are some key points that have been derived from the new policies:
~ All foods that are served or sold by staff/parents must comply with defined nutritional standards.This includes food or beverages provided for celebrations, rewards, incentives, fundraisers, cultural celebrations, etc. (during the school day and ½ hour before and ½ hour after school).
~ To insure compliance with safety and sanitation requirements, all foods must be prepared or purchased through a facility that has a health permit.
~ There is some leeway on items that are brought by parents for classroom celebrations and snacks; however, parents should be encouraged to purchase healthful snacks, or to arrange with the Food Services Department for catering the event.
~ Parents may not bring in home-prepared food items for student consumption; however, whole foods such as fruits and vegetables may be cut-up and brought in.
~ Celebrations that include food must occur after the last lunch period of the day.
~ The policy does not restrict individual students from bringing non-compliant foods in their lunches for their personal consumption.
These policies may seem too restrictive to many of you; however, they are based on legislation and we must abide by them.If you have any further questions, please contact the school office.
