141 Davis Street, Greenfield, MA 01301, 413.772.1300 (voice), 413.774.7940 (fax)

Greenfield Public Schools
Nutrition Policy

Note: Language in the Nutritional Service Program section of this policy assures the USDA federal nutrition standards are met or exceeded (http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/DG2005/index.html).

Healthy Nutrition
Scientific research has identified a positive relationship among adequate nutrition, physical activity and academic success. Moreover, poor nutrition can place students at a higher risk of diabetes, obesity and many other health ailments.

For these reasons the Greenfield school district shall provide students with healthy food choices while in school, whether the students are obtaining food and / or beverages from the Nutritional Service Program, vending machines, or from other outside sources.

The Nutritional Service Program
The Nutritional Service Program shall provide healthy food choices for the students and staff.

• Ensure that meals offered through school Nutritional Services Programs meet federal nutritional standards
• Adopt policies and menus ensuring that all food and beverages available on the school campuses contribute toward eating patterns that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Encourage partnerships with the educational and medical community.

Other Food Choices at School
Students' eating habits are greatly influenced by the type of foods and beverages that are presented to them, not only through the Nutritional Services Program but through the sale of foods and beverages in the school.

All food sold to students in all locations in the school district shall meet or exceed the guidelines and be approved by the "John Stalker Institute "A" List" (John Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition http://www.johnstalkerinstitute.org/)

All beverages sold to students shall meet the following guidelines:

Juices
1. 100% fruit or vegetable juice only
2. 16 oz or smaller container

Water
1. Pure water, nothing added.

Milk
1. 2% fat or less
2. Four (4) grams per ounce or less total sugars ( i.e., lactose and added sweetener)
3. Eight (8) to sixteen (16) ounces maximum.

Flavored waters
1. Not carbonated unless exempted by the USDA
2. No caffeine
3. Minimum of 5% RDA of specified nutrients (Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Niacin, Riboflavin, thiamin, calcium and iron)
4. No more than 10 calories per. 8 oz serving
5. Only non caloric sweeteners approved by the USDA

Iced Teas
Are allowed in both sugar-free and sweetened in containers no larger than 12 oz. containers.

Sports Beverages
(allowable in the High School only)

School classroom parties shall follow the approved guidelines. Parents will be encouraged to send healthy snacks for such events.

* Classroom snacks shall feature only " Healthy Snacks" as per guidelines. Questions may be answered by calling the High School or the Middle School Cafeteria Managers or by calling the department of Nutritional Services for further assistance.

The best policy is not to use food to reward children for good behavior or academic performance. At minimum, children should not be rewarded using foods of poor nutritional quality. (Note: classroom parties are covered by this policy,)

• Classroom Parties No more than one non-conforming food per month may be allowed. For menu suggestions, please call the cafeteria manager at either the Greenfield Middle School or the Greenfield High School for assistance. The Nutritional Services Director will make the final decision.
• Using food as a reward: At no time shall the use of food as a reward for performance be allowed, unless the use of food is specifically written into the individuals IEP. Other constructive suggestions may be found at: Center for Science in the Public Interest (http://www.cspinet.org)

Enforcement of such policies shall fall to the Principal of each school or their designated representative.

• After School Activities, sporting events, fund raisers. These policies will be in effect during the regular school day. After school events should try to encourage healthier eating habits but are allowed to realize that the goal, in many instances, is to raise funds, not only through the student base, but also through parents, and other members of the community.

Nutrition Education

• Nutrition Education should be taught following the Massachusetts Frameworks by certified Health Educators. Health classes shall have a student/teacher ratio similar to other classes.
• Nutrition Education will be taught in Health Education and Physical Education utilizing the existing Greenfield Health Curriculum.
• The staff responsible for Nutritional Education will be adequately prepared and participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver an accurate nutrition education program as planned. Preparation and professional development activities will provide basic knowledge of nutrition.
• Elementary Teachers will be required to attend In-service Training in Nutrition.
• Nutrition Education will be integrated into other areas of the curriculum such as Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Nutrition education information will be reviewed by a qualified, credentialed, nutritional professional, School Food and Nutrition Specialist (SFNS), or a Registered Dietitian (RD), who is specialized in school-based nutrition.

The Greenfield Public Schools will provide information to families that encourage them to teach their children about health and nutrition and to provide nutritious meals for their families.

Students will be encouraged to start each day with a healthy breakfast.

Physical Education

• Policies ensure that state-certified physical education instructors teach all physical education classes .
• Physical activity will be integrated across curricular and throughout the school day. Movement can be made a part of science, math, social studies and language arts.
• Policies ensure that state physical education classes have a student/teacher ratio similar to other classes.
• Provide a daily recess period, in the elementary schools, which is not used as a punishment or a reward.
• Consider planning recess before lunch since research indicates that physical activity prior to lunch can increase the nutrient intake.

Wellness Committee

• Shall continue to meet four times per year (once each marking period)
• Shall encourage an integrated membership consisting of educators, students, members of the community, school committee, and members of other health and wellness professions from within the Greenfield Community.
• The person(s) to be responsible for the committee shall be designated by the Superintendent of Schools

Page updated: June 29, 2011

Home

For Web site queries and questions and to report Web site issues, please contact:
carhol1@gpsk12.org

Privacy and Terms of Use