PAUSD Nutrition Policy

EFFECTIVE 8/24/04; delaying implementation in the high schools until 7/1/05

Rationale

The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potentials, optimal physical and mental growth, and lifelong health. Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other chronic diseases in later life. Schools can assist parents in helping students establish and maintain lifelong, healthy  eating patterns. The California Department of Education states that: "Research has found a clear connection between nutrition and learning. Children and youth will be ready to learn and achieve to their full potential only if they are well nourished and healthy." Further, the state legislature has passed a number of laws regarding food sales at school sites. PAUSD will adhere to these laws and include them in the District's administrative regulations. PAUSD wishes to promote healthy eating and support the needs of children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The following policy statements will support this belief.

1. Maintain high nutritional quality of all foods made available to PAUSD students while they are in school, both through the school food service program and sales by other groups.

a. Serve foods that meet USDA nutrition guidelines and all other requirements for participation in the National School Lunch and Breakfast program.

b. Prepare food in compliance with local health department regulations and California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law.

c. Comply with all current and future State and Federal legislation and regulation on foods served to students.

d. Use menus that promote the consumption of healthy and nutrient dense foods and  limit food products with poor nutritive value.

e. Select USDA commodities that meet the above criteria.

f. At the elementary, middle, and high schools, only the following beverages can be sold: water; 100% milk, including soy and rice beverages; 100% fruit juices; and fruit base drinks that are composed of no less than 50% fruit juice and have no added sweeteners.

g. At the elementary, middle, and high schools, individual food items sold must have no more than 35% of calories from fat, 10% of calories from saturated fat, and 35% sugar by weight.

(ADDING EXCEPTIONS: FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS, SEEDS).

2. Create an overall school environment that is consistent with the goal of promoting healthy eating among the students.

a. Menus and information on the nutritional content of foods served and sold will be posted at each site daily.

3. Promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and include one vegetarian option on each lunch menu.

4. Use food preparation practices and packaging that promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility to the extent practicable within financial constraints.

5. This policy will be implemented within budget limitations.

ADDING 6. EXCEPTIONS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS