FOOD IN THE CLASSROOM
Everyone at Harris School recognizes the importance of celebrating accomplishments and milestones. In an effort to promote good nutritional practices as well as to provide a safe environment for all our students, we have developed the following Guidelines for Food in the Classroom
Explanation of “snacks” and “treats”.
Snack – any food that is eaten in between meals, but has some nutritional values. Examples such as cheese, crackers, pizza, fruit, vegetables yogurt, 100% fruit juice.
Treat –foods that have no nutritional value. Examples such as candy, cake, soda.
GUIDELINES
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Everyone at Harris School recognizes the importance of celebrating accomplishments and milestones. In an effort to promote good nutritional practices as well as to provide a safe environment for all our students, we have developed the following Guidelines for Food in the Classroom
Explanation of “snacks” and “treats”.
Snack – any food that is eaten in between meals, but has some nutritional values. Examples such as cheese, crackers, pizza, fruit, vegetables yogurt, 100% fruit juice.
Treat –foods that have no nutritional value. Examples such as candy, cake, soda.
- There are quite a few students in this school that have food allergies, some of which are life threatening. These students may have a reaction if the food is eaten or if they only come into contact with the food.
- In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.1
- Recent legislation has mandated that school districts develop a wellness policy regarding diet and nutrition.In R.I. the policy requires that any food available to students be of high nutritional value and low in fat, sodium and sugar.2
GUIDELINES
- It is strongly recommended that special events be noted with non-edible items such as school supplies: pencils, stickers, note pads: donation of a book in your child’s name to the classroom or library; having a parent or family member read to the child’s class; donation of a game or activity for classroom use.
- The classroom teacher and the school nurse will approve any food or drinks brought to school at least 2 days before the event. This will help to make sure that any students with food allergies will be protected. Peanut/tree nut products or any item that has been processed in a facility that processes peanuts will not be allowed.
- Any food that is brought into the classroom must be individually wrapped or prepared by a licensed food vendor. Pre-packaged foods must list all ingredients on the labels. No food or drink will be allowed without prior authorization.
- “Treat” food will be avoided in the classroom. Nutritious “snacks” as alternatives to “treats: are to be encouraged at school and at home. In fact, non-edible items will help a child to remember a special event long after that last bite of a snack.
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- Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. Journal of the American Medical Association 2014;311(8):806-814.
- Rhode island Nutrition Guideline for School Vending & A La Carte Foods