Promoting Healthy Eating at School
In order to promote and maintain a healthy, positive learning environment, the following drinks/food are not permitted on campus: Coke and all other types of soda, Monster, Red Bull (and all other drinks high in caffine) and fast-food lunches (McDonald's, etc.)
The Diocese of Phoenix has adopted the nutrition standards from the State of Arizona Department of Education. These standards apply to food provided by our school to the students. Specifally, lunch and parent provided group classroom snacks.
Below you will find the requirements that snacks and birthday treats should meet prior to being offered to the students. In addition, there are several suggestions offered as options that meet the Wellness Policy guidelines. The AZ Department of Education health website is also offered for your reference.
Snack Items and Birthday Treat Requirements
- 35% or less of total calories from fat
- 10% or less of total calories from saturated and trans fatty acids (combined)
- No more than 35% total sugar by weight
- Must contain at least 1gram of fiber
- Maximum of 300 calories per serving
- Maximum of 600mg of sodium per serving
- Final preparation method cannot be deep-fat fried
- No deep-fat fried chips or crackers
- 100% fruit juices
Suggestions
- Popcorn - Cheese Sticks
- Popsicles - Cheese Cubes and Grape kabobs
- Gogurts (refrigerated or frozen) - Granola Wafers
- Individual Sherbert/Sorbet cups - Fresh fruit, yogurt dip
- Pretzels - Welch’s 100% fruit juice fruit chewies
- Graham Crackers - Bagel bites or mini bagels with cream cheese
- Lowfat granola and/or cereal bars meeting above requirements
The guidelines are for parent supplied snack items and birthday celebrations/treats. In addition, each classroom is permitted to have three parties per year that are exempt from the health guidelines listed above. However, the teachers still encourage healthy options even though treats are allowed at these celebrations. Having a balance of treats and healthy choices will help to minimize the occurrence of upset stomachs.
Please refer to www.ade.az.gov/health-safety/cnp/HB2544/ArizonaNutritionStandards.pdf for more information and www.nutritiondata.com to view food labels for grocery items as well as items from Jamba Juice, Starbucks, TCBY, various fast food locations, etc.
Thank you for your help in the continuing health care of your child,
Melina Rzonca RN
Anne Feeney RN
